NBA Draft 2020: Mock Draft 6.0 (Lottery Order Set)

The Knicks take the smart route and add a player who projects as a sturdy contributor in year one. New York’s point guard situation has been a point of contention for years, and Haliburton may finally provide a solution. With a tremendous blend of efficiency and defensive upside, he’s someone Tom Thibodeau — ever the rookie-hater — could grow to like.

Haliburton is listed at 6-foot-7. He’s a long, rangy athlete — even if he’s not particularly explosive. He makes good use of it on defense, whether it’s walling off the lead ball-handler or snaking into passing lanes. On offense, Haliburton can use his size to finish around length or pass over defenders.

Seldom does Haliburton commit turnovers or look rushed. He’s very in control, and plays with an excellent sense of pace. He lacks a mechanically viable pull-up jumper — a big red flag — but his efficient spot-up shooting and soft touch are positive indicators. If he can overall his mechanics, improvement is no unfeasible. He pairs nicely a downhill scorer like R.J. Barrett.