5 Bold predictions for the 2018 NBA draft class

#3 Kevin Knox will win Rookie of the Year honours

2018 NBA Draft

As far as rookie performances at the Las Vegas Summer League 2018 go, no player in this draft class showcased the kind of ability that Knox already has against borderline NBA opposition.

What sets Knox's candidacy apart this season is the fact that he will likely be one of the featured scorers for the Knicks right from the get go. This is because their franchise player Kristaps Porzingis will be ruled out for an extended spell at the start of the season with an ACL tear sustained at the start of 2018, effectively consigning the Knicks to a bargain basement season before tip-off for even one game of the season.

The bleak outlook for their near future means coach David Fizdale can focus on the development of youngsters like Knox and Frank Ntilikina this year. Knox projects as a combo forward with extremely good athleticism and knock-down shooting capability, and I'm betting on him being able to average between 15-20 points per game on good shooting splits.