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New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown during a game against the Charlotte Hornets in March 2026

The New York Knicks are preparing for a second-round playoff matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, following a dramatic series in the opening round.

Philadelphia won three straight games against the Boston Celtics to complete a remarkable comeback from a 3-1 deficit, becoming just the 15th team in NBA history to achieve the feat.

It also marked the first time in franchise history that the 76ers have overturned a 3-1 series deficit.

Meanwhile, the Knicks took care of business against the Atlanta Hawks, setting up what promises to be a compelling second-round clash.

At the same time, with the NBA Draft lottery picture now finalized, attention is beginning to shift toward what could be a defining offseason for several teams.

New York Knicks Could Prioritize Long-Term Roster Building

For the Knicks, while speculation around blockbuster moves continues, including a potential pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the franchise may ultimately opt for a more patient, long-term approach to roster construction.

New York controls its own 2026 first-round pick and had also been in line to receive an additional first-round selection from the Washington Wizards.

However, that pick was protected in the top eight. With Washington finishing 17-65 and locking in a bottom-three record, they are guaranteed a top-seven pick regardless of lottery results.

As a result, the Knicks will instead receive Washington’s 2026 and 2027 second-round selections.

In his latest mock draft, ESPN analyst Jeremy Woo has New York selecting Arizona forward Koa Peat, 19, with the 24th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

“Peat opted to declare for the draft and has an opportunity to play his way up the boards with a strong predraft process,” Woo wrote. “Some teams viewed him as an excellent candidate to return to school and improve his stock, an option that remains available to him.”

“Scouts view his perimeter shooting as a critical swing skill that will impact his career path, as he is not particularly effective scoring outside 15 feet at this stage of his career.“

“But his strength and quickness relative to his size, coupled with a solid offensive feel and ability to guard the perimeter, give him a chance to find a niche in the right situation.”

Koa Peat Offers Versatility and Long-Term Upside

Across 36 games this season, Peat averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 stocks, while shooting 52.8% from the field on a loaded Arizona roster.

He also showed occasional flashes of perimeter shooting, converting 7 of his 20 attempts from three-point range.

The 6-foot-8 freshman recorded eight 20-point games, highlighted by a 30-point performance against Florida in November.

In that outing, he added seven rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block, while shooting 11-of-18 from the field in a well-rounded display.

Peat also demonstrated his physicality on the glass, registering six double-digit rebounding games, including four performances with at least five offensive boards.

That energy could translate early to New York’s frontcourt, particularly with Mitchell Robinson set to enter unrestricted free agency.

Sports Illustrated’s Isaiah De Los Santos has previously urged the Knicks to target a big man in the draft amid Robinson’s uncertain future, pointing toward Peat’s Arizona teammate Motiejus Krivas.

“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.”

For a New York Knicks team balancing immediate playoff ambitions with long-term planning, a prospect like Peat offers more than just depth.

He projects as a versatile, team-oriented player who could develop into a valuable contributor alongside the current core while fitting into the franchise’s broader long-term vision.

If necessary, he could also benefit from time in the G League as he continues to refine his game and adjust to the professional level.