The Knicks look to add some more height here, as Nerlens Noel is a free agent and Mitchell Robinson is coming off of a major injury. Why not swing for the fences and take a former 5-star recruit in Brown.
Brown wasn’t the most productive offensive player with the Longhorns last year, but his ability to fly to the rim, pull up on the break, and handle the ball are all exemplary for his size, and Thibodeau will have him playing excellent defense soon.
Brown is a true wild card given how uneven he looked at Texas, but the Knicks represent a chance to get some quality playing time without throwing him to the wolves. If his jumper becomes more consistent, look out.
Not only did Dennis Schroder underperform in the postseason, but he is a free agent after this season, leaving the Lakers thin in this department. The best course of action is to add a guard like Mann that can provide an instant scoring boost.
His shot selection is all over the place, but the promising 6-4 combo guard offers versatility, a sweet 3-pointer, and the ability to impact the game as a rebounder and passer when his shot isn’t falling.
Mann underperformed at times during his freshman year, but the Lakers would be a perfect situation. He gets to learn from a championship coach in Frank Vogel, play alongside LeBron James, and wiggle into the rotation.