The Knicks enter the 2026 NBA Draft with picks No. 24, No. 31, and No. 55. Depending on how the board falls, Meleek Thomas could be available when New York is on the clock. Should the Knicks consider him?
The Basics
- School: Arkansas
- Position: Combo Guard
- Height: 6’3″ (Measured barefoot at the Combine, with a 6’6.75″ wingspan)
- Weight: 190 lbs
- Age: 19
- 2025-26 Stats: 15.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 43.5% FG, 41.6% 3P, 84.3% FT
- Projected Draft Range: Mid-to-late first round or early second round
The Numbers
Thomas put together a impressive freshman campaign in the SEC, flashing high-major shot-making capabilities. His average of 15.6 points per game is strong on its own, but the highlight is his shooting efficiency. He converted 42% from beyond the arc on 5.3 attempts per game, an excellent mark for
a freshman handling a significant offensive workload. Even better: in SEC play, he set an Arkansas record by knocking down 49% of his threes.
When you pair that deep-range accuracy with an 84% clip from the free-throw line, it becomes clear that his shooting touches are real and project well to the next level. Defensively, he recorded a solid 1.54 steals per game (57 total), thanks to active hands and good instincts in passing lanes.
The biggest area of growth reflected in the metrics is his playmaking efficiency. While he managed a respectable 92 assists on the season, his true role was a finisher rather than an playmaker.
What Does He Do Well?
- Elite Perimeter Shooting: Thomas doesn’t need much space to get his jumper off. He has a smooth release, excels as a catch-and-shoot threat, and seemed comforted shooting off movement or hitting pull-up jumpers when running defenders off the line.
- On-Ball Self-Creation: He possesses a fast first step and tight handle, allowing him to get into the paint or create separation for his mid-range pull-up. He can rescue an offensive possession when the play breaks down.
- Controlled Decision-Making: Despite playing high-leverage minutes in a tough conference, his turnovers were limited. He takes care of possessions, making simple, smart reads without over-penetrating into a crowd.
- Defensive Disruptiveness: He uses his 6’6.75″ wingspan effectively at the top of the floor. Thomas plays with an intense competitive fire on both ends, getting deflections and turning steals into immediate fast-break opportunities.
What Are the Concerns?
- Physical Frame and True Size: Measuring 6’3″ barefoot puts him on the smaller side for a standard NBA shooting guard. While his wingspan compensates for a bit of that height, his 190-pound frame means he will get physically targeted until he adds muscle.
- Finishing at the Rim: Against elite collegiate interior defense, Thomas struggled a bit inside the arc, converting just 45% of his two-point attempts. He can sometimes rely too much on his touch and floaters rather than exploding all the way to the rim and welcoming contact.
- Identity: Is he a point guard or a secondary wing? While he took care of the ball at Arkansas, he spent most of his time looking for his own shot next to Darius Acuff Jr. Finding a true schematic home in an NBA half-court offense will take some time.
The Knicks Fit
The Knicks might not need another guard, but they could use bench depth, spacing, and dynamic shot-creation.
Thomas fits a distinct mold that Mike Brown can appreciate: he competes at a high level defensively and is an sniper from deep. Offensively, he would provide insurance and alternative backcourt depth behind Jalen Brunson. He’s someone who can play off the ball, spaces the floor, and acts as a dynamic tertiary scorer.
Tyler Kolek remains in the fold and is positioned to make his case for more playing time when training camp commences. He and Thomas could split time between situational bench minutes in New York and in Westchester to get heavy, on-ball developmental reps. For a team that occasionally struggled to get buckets from the reserves when Brunson sat, Thomas offers a compelling solution.
NBA Comparison
- Best-Case Comparison: An explosive, elite-shooting version of CJ McCollum.
- Median Outcome: Jordan Clarkson with steadier defensive habits.
- Low-End Outcome: Bryn Forbes or a microwave bench specialist who floats on the fringes of a rotation.
The Verdict
Draft him at No. 24. If Meleek Thomas is still on the board when the Knicks pick in the late first round, they shouldn’t overthink it. It is difficult to find 19-year-old guards who can shoot over 41% from deep on high volume while possessing the quickness to create their own look. He brings the kind of high-octane offensive skill set that can break open games during the dog days of the NBA season, wrapped in a competitive package that won’t compromise defensive identity.
If he slips to No. 31, he becomes an undeniable steal. The Knicks should consider Meleek Thomas because his elite shooting foundation gives him a high floor, while his on-ball shot-creation hints at a potential impact rotation player for years to come.
For our other Draft Profiles, go here.
Go Knicks!
