As the New York Knicks prepare for a first-round playoff matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, the focus across the league remains firmly on the postseason.
However, with the NBA Draft lottery picture now set, attention is also beginning to shift towards what could be a defining offseason for several teams.
For the Knicks, while speculation around blockbuster moves continues, including a potential pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the franchise may instead lean towards more measured, long-term roster-building strategies.
New York Knicks Could Eye Draft Options to Address Frontcourt Needs
New York holds its own 2026 first-round pick and was also set to receive an additional first-round selection from the Washington Wizards.
However, that pick carried top-eight protection. With the Wizards finishing the season 17-65 and securing a bottom-three record, they are guaranteed a top-seven selection regardless of the lottery outcome.
As a result, the Knicks will instead receive Washington’s 2026 and 2027 second-round picks.
In his latest mock draft, The Ringer’s J. Kyle Mann projected New York selecting Arizona center Motiejus Krivas with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Through his junior season, the Lithuanian big man averaged 10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.9 blocks across 39 games, while shooting 56.9% from the field.
Sports Illustrated’s Isaiah De Los Santos has urged the Knicks to target the 7-foot-2 center as a potential replacement for Mitchell Robinson, who is set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer.
“One likely spot of the roster New York will be addressing this offseason is their backup center,” De Los Santos wrote. “Re-signing Mitchell Robinson would restrict the Knicks’ already-tight cap situation even further.”
“Enter Arizona’s Motiejus Krivas. He is a physically imposing presence at 7-foot-2, 260 pounds. He makes full use of his size to impact the game on the boards (8.2 rebounds per game as a junior, including 3.1 on the offensive glass) and defensively (1.9 BPG in 2025-26). His defensive impact is particularly alluring, as his per-40 averages work out to 3.0 blocks and 1.1 steals.”
“Krivas will not likely fill the desire for another floor-spacing Knick big, considering he only attempted 13 threes this entire season and none before that. But that also works in New York’s favor, as not every team can accommodate a more traditional big.”
Motiejus Krivas Offers Defensive Presence and Interior Strength
Krivas delivered several strong offensive performances throughout the season, including a 25-point outing in a win over Kansas State in January, one of four games in which he scored at least 15 points.
He also played a key role in Arizona’s run to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament, where they ultimately fell to eventual champions Michigan.
His physical presence translated consistently on the glass, recording 14 double-digit rebounding performances, while also posting two games with six blocks, highlighting his defensive impact.
“He could slide right into Robinson’s old shoes and continue the Knicks’ size advantage that helps create fits in certain matchups,” De Los Santos added.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony previously identified Krivas as a sleeper prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft before the Lithuanian opted to return to Arizona for his junior season.
Krivas’ defensive instincts, size, and rim protection would likely appeal to a Knicks team that already ranks among the league’s best in limiting points in the paint.
At 21-years-old, he projects as a player capable of contributing early, offering both immediate impact and long-term upside as a late first-round option.
For a New York Knicks team balancing playoff ambitions with future planning, a prospect like Krivas could strengthen the frontcourt while reinforcing an already elite defensive identity.
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