Knicks target – With the New York Knicks preparing for Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on Friday, their focus stays on a 2-0 series lead—while their draft board starts to take shape. At No. 24 in next month’s first round, the Knicks
For all the noise that follows the New York Knicks when they find their rhythm on a Finals stage, the timing of Game 2 at Frost Bank Center on Friday still matters—especially with New York chasing a 2-0 lead against the San Antonio Spurs.
Game 1 was described as a stunning performance, and the Knicks now head into Game 2 with a clear goal: win the best-of-seven series and capture a championship for the first time since 1973. The marquee part of the weekend is the playoff edge. But behind it, the calendar doesn’t pause.
Next month’s NBA Draft is already on the horizon, and New York will pick at No. 24 in the first round. The Knicks also have selections at No. 31 and No. 55 in the second round.
The latest draft chatter puts two guard prospects in the spotlight at No. 24. Isaiah Evans from Duke is one name the Knicks are reportedly considering, along with Meleek Thomas, a freshman from Arkansas. The link between the two isn’t just position—it’s fit.
The argument for Evans. as laid out in ClutchPoints’ conversation with Brett Siegel on “Clutch Scoops. ” is that his style aligns with how the Knicks want to play next to Darius Acuff Jr. The same discussion points to a specific kind of versatility: a combo-guard profile that can operate on or off the ball. paired with shooting. The comparison drawn in that breakdown is that Acuff Jr.’s size and ability to get downhill towards the rim are similar to Jalen Brunson.
Evans’ production during his second year with the Blue Devils is part of the pitch. He averaged 15.0 points and 3.2 rebounds. Thomas’ case is also built around output—he logged 15.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in his one-and-done stint with the Razorbacks.
In Siegel’s most recent mock draft, Evans is slotted at No. 26 and Thomas at No. 27, while Arizona’s Koa Peat is placed at No. 24 for New York. But the Knicks’ own reported targeting at No. 24 has centered on Evans and Thomas in particular.
New York’s backcourt already has plenty of established names, which makes any draft decision feel like more than a simple “add talent” move. The Knicks are listed as loaded with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Miles McBride, Jordan Clarkson, Jose Alvarado, Landry Shamet, and Tyler Kolek.
That balance—between a Finals mission and a draft board forming in parallel—sits at the heart of the current Knicks conversation. The team is trying to turn momentum from Game 1 into a series-changing Game 2 lead, while also positioning the roster for what happens after the confetti settles.
New York Knicks San Antonio Spurs NBA Finals Game 2 Frost Bank Center Isaiah Evans Meleek Thomas NBA Draft No. 24 pick Jalen Brunson Darius Acuff Jr. Josh Hart