latest prediction for No. 24 pick after combine

Following the 2026 NBA Draft early entry deadline , we now know exactly which prospects are turning pro and which players decided to return to college.

A total of 75 players participated during the NBA draft combine n Chicago and others in the G League Combine. Following the events, a dozen players (including Amari Allen, Tyler Tanner, Tounde Yessoufou, Milan Momcilovic and Malachi Moreno) opted to return to college.

Based on the intel following the combine and pre-draft workouts, and key decisions on players opting to return to the NCAA, here is an updated look at the first round projections for the New York Knicks.

New York Knicks 2026 draft picks

• No. 24, No. 31 (via WAS) and No. 55

New York Knicks 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 24 overall, Allen Graves, F, Santa Clara

Kalbrosky’s Analysis:

One of the most under-the-radar prospects in college basketball this season was Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves, who came close to becoming a March Madness hero. The WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year turned heads after posting 30 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals on Feb. 7 against Washington State. The only players under 21 with a higher box plus-minus, per Bart Torvik, were Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. The Knicks have prioritized scrappy, high-motor players like Josh Hart, capable of winning the possession battle through rebounds and turnovers. That’s an area where Graves stands out among the best in this class and is likely one of the reasons he chose to turn pro rather than return to college.