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New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown during a game against the Miami Heat in December 2025
The New York Knicks are entering a crucial stretch of the season, with the Eastern Conference standings tightening and every result carrying increased weight.
After an inconsistent campaign, New York has found momentum at the right time, riding a seven-game winning streak that has pushed them firmly into the race for the No. 2 seed.
The Knicks currently sit at 48-25, just half a game behind the Boston Celtics, as they continue to build form heading into the postseason.
While the immediate focus remains on securing playoff positioning, there is also a growing sense that the upcoming offseason could play a key role in shaping the next phase of the roster.
New York Knicks Could Explore Draft as Long-Term Pathway
Although high-profile speculation continues, including the possibility of re-entering the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, the Knicks may ultimately lean towards more sustainable methods of roster building.
New York controls its own 2026 first-round pick, along with the Washington Wizards’ first-round selection.
That pick, however, is protected for selections 1-8. If it falls within that range, which remains a likely outcome, the Knicks would instead receive Washington’s 2026 and 2027 second-round picks.
In his latest mock draft on March 24, Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman projects that scenario, with New York selecting Duke center Patrick Ngongba with the 32nd pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Through 30 games this season, Ngongba is averaging 10.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting an efficient 60.7% from the field.
“The tape shows outstanding instincts and processing,” Wasserman wrote. “There will be certain NBA teams drawn to his passing and ability to facilitate from inside the defense, where he anticipates cutting opportunities and moves the ball quickly to shooters.”
“Ngongba isn’t the most exciting scoring prospect, but between his finishing tools, assisting, rim protection and flashes of shooting range, he has the chance to check an interesting mix of boxes.”
Patrick Ngongba’s Role Continues to Grow at Duke
The sophomore big man missed the ACC Tournament with a foot injury but returned for Duke’s second-round NCAA Tournament matchup against TCU.
In 13 minutes, he recorded four points, four rebounds, four assists, and one block, helping the Blue Devils advance to the Sweet Sixteen, where they will face St. John’s.
After playing a limited role during his freshman season, Ngongba has taken on greater responsibility following the departure of former Duke center Khaman Maluach, who was selected 10th in the 2025 NBA Draft.
That increased opportunity has allowed the 20-year-old to establish himself as a more consistent contributor within Duke’s rotation.
“Ngongba has turned into a weirdly polarizing player for scouts, with some very strongly appreciating his well-rounded game on both ends and thinking it will translate exceedingly well,” The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie recently wrote.
Ngongba’s blend of size, passing ability, and defensive instincts has kept him firmly in late first-round discussions, making his potential availability in the early second round particularly appealing.
For a New York Knicks team balancing immediate playoff ambitions with long-term roster planning, a prospect like Ngongba could represent a smart addition, strengthening the frontcourt while adding cost-effective depth for the future.
Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
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