REPORT: Knicks have “strongly considered” picking Auburn forward Isaac Okoro at No. 8

There are still like seven weeks until the NBA Draft, but the New York Knicks and their front office have been poring over tape of prospects for months already. It makes sense, then, that they already have some favorites.

But who do they like with the No. 8 overall pick? Marc Berman of The Post may have answered that question for us on Saturday. Buried in a long piece about Tom Thibodeau’s relationship with president Leon Rose (we already know they have a great relationship, Marc) was a tasty tidbit about the organization’s draft thoughts.

The Knicks had made drafting a point guard a priority, but have strongly considered defensive forward Isaac Okoro of Auburn at No. 8, to fit Thibodeau’s defensive mindset.

Issac Okoro! Our own Matt Miranda is a big fan, as he laid out in this extension “Know the Prospect” profile. He’s a bruising defender, and excellent at the rim, and he struggles with the three. Physically he is very similar to RJ Barrett, and the Knicks would need one or both players to start hitting threes to space the court effectively.

I find it interesting that Berman speaks of fitting Thibodeau’s defensive mindset, yet doesn’t mentioned Florida State guard Devin Vassell, who is another excellent defender often mocked to the Knicks at No. 8.

So maybe the Knicks really love Okoro. He very well could still be on the board when they pick, so this could be a match made in heaven.