The New York Knicks are preparing for an Eastern Conference Finals matchup against either the Detroit Pistons or the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Currently, Detroit and Cleveland are tied 2-2 in their semifinal series, guaranteeing at least two more games before New York’s opponent is decided.
However, on Sunday, much of the league’s attention shifted due to the NBA Draft Lottery. Focus has gradually started turning toward what could become a pivotal offseason for several franchises.
New York Knicks Could Eye Versatile Texas Guard
Speculation surrounding blockbuster moves continues to swirl around New York, with the Knicks frequently mentioned as a potential suitor in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes.
Still, the organization could ultimately lean toward a more balanced, long-term approach to roster building.
The Knicks currently hold their own 2026 first-round pick, along with a potentially valuable early second-round selection from the Washington Wizards.
In his latest mock draft, Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman projected New York selecting Texas guard Dailyn Swain with the 24th overall pick.
Across 36 games during his junior season, Swain averaged 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals.
He also shot an efficient 54.2% from the field, 34.4% from three-point range on 2.6 attempts per game, and 81.5% from the free-throw line.
“There’s been a brighter spotlight on Dailyn Swain, particularly after Texas won three NCAA tournament games,” Wasserman wrote. “His NBA role will likely differ from the one he plays now, where he’s often handling the ball in ball screen and transition situations.”
“But he’ll certainly be able to use the skills he’s developed to become a more well-rounded Swiss Army knife, specifically his improved creation, pull-up game, floater and passing.”
“Between his explosiveness for finishing, 3.5 assists per game, scoring off the dribble and defensive playmaking, scouts are taking Swain seriously.”
Dailyn Swain Emerging as Fast-Rising NBA Draft Prospect
Swain previously spent two seasons at Xavier between 2023 and 2025 before entering the NCAA transfer portal and becoming one of Texas’ most impactful players.
Standing at 6-foot-8 while operating in the backcourt, the 20-year-old has seen his draft stock rise significantly this season thanks to his athleticism, versatility, and two-way upside.
Sports Illustrated’s Derek Parker previously described Swain as “one of the fastest-rising players in the 2026 NBA Draft class” and noted that he’s “having the greatest self creation season we’ve ever seen from a prospect before.”
The Knicks had also owned another first-round pick from the Wizards, although it carried top-eight protection.
Because the selection failed to convey, New York will instead receive Washington’s 2026 and 2027 second-round picks.
That 2026 selection could still become highly valuable, sitting only a few spots behind the Knicks’ projected first-round range.
Wasserman also projected New York selecting seven-foot Kentucky center Malachi Moreno with the 31st overall pick.
The draft analyst believes the 19-year-old possesses “strong shot-blocking and passing metrics,” while adding that “certain teams” could be willing to gamble on his upside.
During his freshman season, Moreno averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game.
With Mitchell Robinson set to enter unrestricted free agency, Moreno could emerge as another intriguing frontcourt option for a New York Knicks roster facing potential changes this summer.
Knicks Tipped to Add ‘Fast-Rising’ Guard With Major Two-Way Upside