2021 NBA Mock Draft — 19. Chris Duarte, New York Knicks
The Knicks will aim to build on a top-four finish in the Eastern Conference, which means seeking NBA-ready contributors who play both sides of the ball. Shooting was a big hole in New York’s offense last season, and it killed them in the playoffs. Chris Duarte is one of the best shooters on the board, and at 24 years old, he should help right away.
That age is a scary number, and it will repel some teams. That said, Duarte is as safe a bet as any to play positive-impact basketball in the NBA. At 6-foot-6, he’s a knockdown shooter who thrives in an off-ball role. Duarte’s off-movement shooting would loosen the reigns on Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett, who spent much of last season facing a clogged paint.
Duarte also does the little things as a passer, screener, and most importantly, a defender to put him the good graces of Tom Thibodeau, who will no doubt appreciate Duarte’s veteran nature. He doesn’t have the same high ceiling as others on the board, and he’s already on the verge of his prime, but the Knicks are not the team to care.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 23