A new rumor suggests the New York Knicks could be targeting Mikal Bridges’ replacement in Round 2 of the 2025 NBA Draft.
After a pair of blockbuster trades last summer, the Knicks have one lone pick in this year’s draft. That comes in Round 2 at pick 50. There are never high expectations for second-rounders, but sometimes you can find a diamond in the rough. And a new report from SNY Knicks insider Ian Begley reveals the player the team is hoping could be that second-round diamond.
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“In talking to opposing teams this week, the name that kept coming up was Florida State’s Jamir Watkins,” Begley reported. “Watkins has several fans in the Knicks’ organization. Several opposing teams don’t think that the Knicks would let Watkins slip past No. 50.
“… Watkins, a 6-foot-6 guard, averaged 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game as a senior. He can defend multiple positions and is seen as a solid on-ball defender. The Trenton Catholic product averaged 1.9 steals as a junior at Florida State.”
Could the New York Knicks be targeting Mikal Bridges’ replacement in NBA Draft?
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Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Watkins’ skillset, stats, and even his frame are similar to one of the Knicks’ top players: Mikal Bridges. They are both 6-foot-6 and around 210 pounds. Watkins is a rock-solid defender who can guard multiple positions, like Bridges. His statistical numbers in his senior year were similar to the New York guard. And his 32% shooting from three was just a bit behind Bridges’ 35% last season.
Obviously, what Watkins was able to do in college isn’t guaranteed to transition to the pros. Nevertheless, the type of player he is and the Knicks’ interest in him come at a coincidental time. This week, Knicks insider Frank Isola reported that Bridges’ name has come up in recent trade discussions.
Mikal Bridges stats (2024-25): 17.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 35% 3PT
There have been rumors since their East Finals loss to the Pacers that the team could make a big trade this offseason. Bridges being moved makes sense because he is in the final year of his deal. And giving him the type of extension he will be looking for likely doesn’t fit in the Knicks’ long-term plans after an inconsistent performance last season.
Ian Begley notes that some mock drafts have Watkins going quite a bit earlier than 50 in Round 2 of the draft. So if New York really wants him, they may have to trade up to get the player that could replace Bridges next season and beyond.
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After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos