Knicks’ 3 best options at No. 24 in 2026 NBA Draft after championship win

The entirety of New York City is still celebrating the Knicks’ NBA Finals win over the Spurs as they end a 53-year championship drought, creating one of the more emotional postseason finishes we’ve seen in recent years. While fans continue to bask in the glory as they await a ticker-tape parade through the streets of Manhattan, their front office is already looking forward to the 2026 NBA Draft and expanding their talent pool for another potential run next season.

With their current roster, it’s safe to say the Knicks have been much more successful in acquiring players through the trade market than they have during the draft. The memories of fizzled first-round picks like Frank Ntilikina (8th overall, 2017) and Kevin Knox (9th overall, 2019) are still fresh for Knicks’ fans, but good news is that the draft will have little importance to fans as they celebrate this recent championship.

Still, the Knicks have three picks in the upcoming draft (24th, 31st, 55th overall) and a serious opportunity to grow their talent or gain pieces by dealing those picks as well. All of New York’s starters, in addition to a few others, will remain under contract. However, 10 reserves will all become free agents, so the team will clearly have to rebuild their bench and supporting cast.

The NBA Draft offers a perfect opportunity to fill roles of players like Jose Alvarado and Mitchell Robinson who become free agents this offseason and could be on the move. The Knicks have a number of options at No. 24 overall, but we’ll be breaking down three main potential suitors for the reigning NBA Champs.

Kentucky C Jayden Quaintance

ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel has Kentucky freshman Jayden Quaintance at No. 24 on his draft big board, hovering around the 23-26 overall range in the eyes of expert mock drafts. The Knicks will likely be looking to add a long power forward or athletic center as Quaintance perfectly fits the bill standing 6-foot-9, 253 pounds, with a 7’5.25″ wingspan. His most agreed NBA player comparison has been Robert Williams III, high praise given Williams’ two NBA All-Defensive Second Team selections.

Still, injuries will continue being the biggest the biggest concern when it comes to Quaintance as he’s shortly removed from an ACL injury. He started just one game at Kentucky last season and most recent tape on his true abilities is fairly limited. At just 19 years old, he’s much more enticing thanks to his potential and what he can do on defense, filling an importance void if Mitchell Robinson walks elsewhere.

Arkansas PG/SG Meleek Thomas

Arkansas PG/SG Meleek Thomas is also an interesting pick here as Siegel’s got him going New York in his latest Mock Draft. Thomas has been linked to the Knicks in several pre-draft evaluations and could offer interesting depth behind Jalen Brunson at the guard position. He’s also very effective as the secondary playmaker and could mesh very well playing alongside Brunson as the pair plays extremely unselfish basketball.

Knicks’ Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson are also set to become free agents this offseason, so Thomas could fill the void adequately if the Knicks decide to make changes to their bench. Thomas averaged a consistent 15.6 PPG last season and elevated his play during the NCAA tournament, a strong sign that he could be poised for big moments as the Knicks compete for a repeat championship. Thomas can score the ball at all three levels and would certainly benefit from the pass-first style of coach Mike Brown.

Santa Clara PF Allen Graves

Graves is also an interesting pick here as most Knicks’ mock drafts have him in the 20-30 range. Graves was very strong from three for the Broncos in 2025-26, shooting 41.3% and adding a consistent 75% FT to add to his 11.8 PPG. While he’s not an aggressive slasher than can create around the rim, the Knicks already have that in Brunson, Hart, and Anunoby as Graves could improve their depth from the small forward spot.

It wasn’t until the postseason that the Knicks’ saw real game-changing production from OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges undeniably struggled during the 2026 Playoffs. Graves, who offers smart ball movement and crisp passing, could help the flow off the bench for a Knicks’ team that heavily relies on their starting unit.

Standing 6-foot-9, Graves can also play in the post with his mid-range scoring, offering a solid addition alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. PF Mohamed Diawara, who’s technically second on the PF depth chart behind Anunoby, also becomes a free agent this offseason and could be on the move. Adding Allen Graves would fill several gaps for the Knicks as he could be one of the safest options if he falls to them at No. 24.

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