2021 NBA Mock Draft — 19. Sharife Cooper, New York Knicks
The Knicks have long needed some sort of long-term solution at point guard. Derrick Rose provided plenty of juice in New York’s first-round exit, but he’s reaching the end of his rope and is no guarantee to return in free agency. Immanuel Quickley is an exciting prospect, but he’s better served as a secondary creator, rather than the main show-runner.
Sharife Cooper can give the Knicks what they need. He’s a springy 6-foot-1 guard who can weave in and out of defenses like a sewing needle. He keeps the ball on a string and has excellent court vision, with the ability to rope passes to open shooters out of the pick-and-roll or off dribble penetration.
Cooper gives the Knicks a primary ball-handler for the future, and a noted competitor who aligns with the Tom Thibodeau ethos. He will need to iron out his 3-point shot, but there’s reason to believe Cooper can and will do so. He’s the best point guard on the board.