UNC forward Justin Jackson to work out at the Knicks’ Tarrytown facility before draft

The New York Knicks aren’t simply auditioning players that fit their assigned No. 8 slot; they are also looking at prospects a bit farther back on the draft lists. To that end, they have invited UNC forward Justin Jackson to work out at their own facility next month. Per Marc Berman:

North Carolina junior swingman Justin Jackson will bring his championship résumé to the Knicks’ Tarrytown facility next month, The Post has learned.

According to an NBA source, Jackson will work out for the Knicks on June 13 ahead of the NBA draft. Jackson interviewed with the Knicks at the league’s draft combine in Chicago this month. He is projected by most to be a late lottery pick.

Jackson is slotted at 13 by DraftExpress. He improved his outside shooting drastically during his junior season at North Carolina, but he’s already 22 and not a particularly great athlete. The Knicks, however, are said to be enamored with Jackson, and have looked into acquiring another first-round pick, according to Ian Begley.

The good news here is that there’s no indication the Knicks are considering taking Jackson at No. 8, which would be almost inexcusable. If they can snatch another pick at a decent price, then sure—the kid has length and a good basketball IQ. It’s fairly absurd, though, that Berman cites Jackson’s “winning pedigree” as being attractive to the Knicks. You know who else won a national championship in college? Carmelo Anthony!

Whatever. Do your due diligence, Knicks!