ESPN Mock Draft has Knicks taking Harlem native Mohamed Bamba

Jonathan Givony’s first NBA Mock Draft for ESPN is up and it projects the Knicks taking Harlem native Mohamed Bamba with the No. 7 pick in 2018.

The 6-foot-11 Bamba signed in May with Texas over Duke, Kentucky and Michigan. A natural shot-blocker and intimidating defensive presence, he figures to be one-and-done for head coach Shaka Smart.

Westtown Watch video on Overtime

Bamba averaged 12.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game in his senior season (2016-17) while leading Westtown School to a 32-2 mark and a second consecutive Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association state title. As a junior, he averaged 14.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 6.0 blocks per game in pacing Westtown to the state championship. He also helped Westtown register a 26-6 record in his sophomore season in 2014-15.

Brandon Randolph Westtown Watch video on Overtime

In July, Bamba was cleared again by the NCAA after allegations surfaced from his half-brother Ibrahim “Abe” Johnson that Mohamed accepted cash and gifts from a mentor.

As for the Knicks, they could once again be a lottery team, especially if they end up dealing Carmelo Anthony to the Houston Rockets. The new front office has said it plans to build around the core of Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Willy Hernangomez and Frank Ntilikina.

If the Knicks opt for a total rebuild around those younger players, they would be in the mix not only for Bamba, but for the prized top two projected picks of Missouri freshman forward Michael Porter Jr. and incoming Duke forward Marvin Bagley III.

We want to “take advantage of the fact that we have draft picks moving forward,” Knicks President Steve Mills said last month.

Via ASeaofBlue.com, here’s how the entire first round played out in ESPN’s mock:

1. Chicago Bulls: Michael Porter

2. Boston Celtics (via Nets): Marvin Bagley

3. Atlanta Hawks: DeAndre Ayton

4. Phoenix Suns: Luka Doncic

5. Sacramento Kings: Robert Williams

6. Orlando Magic: Miles Bridges

7. New York Knicks: Mohamed Bamba

8. Indiana Pacers: Collin Sexton

9. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers): Jaren Jackson

10. Dallas Mavericks: Wendell Carter