Knicks Add Highlight-Worthy Guard in 2025 NBA Mock Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated Mar 20, 2025 10:38 PM ET

The New York Knicks are not playing for draft positions this year, which makes sense for two reasons. First of all, they have a core that they believe can win a title. Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns are one of the best starting fives in the entire league.

Second, they owe their pick to the Brooklyn Nets, so it's a moot point, anyway.

However, they do own the Memphis Grizzlies' second-round pick, and according to a recent mock draft from The Athletic, they will pick a player with a very high upside considering it's the 55th pick in the draft.

After transferring from Gonzaga, Hunter Sallis has made two All-ACC teams in a row with Wake Forest.

In his senior season, he averaged a solid 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 27.7 percent from 3-point range, although he averaged a 36.8 percent mark over his first three seasons, which could make or break his NBA chances.

No matter what, Sallis won't have the same pressure as this season's 55th overall pick, Bronny James. On the Knicks, Sallis will likely hide on the bench and be buried on the depth chart, which is how most rookies are introduced to Tom Thibodeau.

His upside is clear, but he needs to make some strides and polish his game before he is ready for the NBA. He can score from the wings and off the dribble and has no problem running the fast break, although he needs to add distance to his shot.

Once he gets downhill, he can finish at the rim, but against bigger defenders, it would be nice if he could space the floor a bit and not rely on his craft finishing.

Out of all the projected second-round picks, his upside is the highest although fans will know early on if he will boom or bust out of the league.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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