Knicks’ plans for the 2025 NBA Draft
The New York Knicks approach the 2025 NBA Draft with a modest hand: a single second-round pick at No. 50 overall. With their first-round selection previously dealt away, this year’s draft won’t be about splashy moves, unless Leon Rose has something tricky up his sleeve.
The 2025 NBA Draft will take place June 25 (ABC/ESPN) and June 26 (ESPN), with both nights beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
After a successful 2024–25 campaign that ended in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks have a stable core, yet questions remain around their bench. Several rotation players are entering free agency, and the team has limited cap flexibility. As a result, New York is expected to target either a seasoned college player who can contribute right away or a younger prospect with long-term upside.
One name that has emerged in multiple mock drafts is Lachlan Olbrich, a 6’10” forward/center from Australia’s NBL. Olbrich offers physicality, rebounding, and strong instincts as a passer from the post—qualities that would complement the Knicks’ frontcourt. He’s not a flashy pick, but he fits a practical need: frontcourt depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti.
If Olbrich is off the board, other potential targets include elite shooter Koby Brea, known for his three-point accuracy, which could help improve New York’s 20th-ranked three-point shooting percentage from last season. Also in the mix are older, versatile forwards such as Eric Dixon (Villanova!), Sion James (Duke), John Tonje (Wisconsin), and Darrion Williams (Texas Tech)—all of whom bring experience and promise plug-and-play reliability.
If past drafts have shown anything, it’s that the Knicks can find gems outside the lottery. This year, they’ll try to do so again.
Team President Leon Rose has a reputation for patience—but also for bold moves when opportunity presents. It wouldn’t shock us if he found a way to trade into the first round or acquire a higher second-round pick should an opening present itself. As ever with this front office, steely reticence often precedes loud surprises.
Fanduel gives the Knicks +300 odds to win the Eastern Conference. It seems unlikely that whatever New York does in the Draft will affect that number, but we’ll keep an eye on it at their site.
Go Knicks.