Knicks Eye Defensive Anchor Krivas in 2026 Draft

Arizona center Motiejus Krivas could provide immediate impact and long-term upside for New York's frontcourt.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:07pm

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The New York Knicks are reportedly considering selecting Arizona center Motiejus Krivas with their 2026 first-round draft pick as they look to strengthen their frontcourt and defensive identity. The 7-foot-2 Lithuanian has emerged as one of the top rim protectors in college basketball, averaging 10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game as a junior.

Why it matters

The Knicks are in a tight race for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, and adding a defensive-minded big man like Krivas could provide an immediate boost to their elite paint protection. At just 21 years old, Krivas also offers long-term upside as the Knicks balance their current playoff push with future roster-building strategies.

The details

Krivas scored in double figures on four occasions this season, including a 25-point outburst against Kansas State. He was also a key contributor to Arizona's Final Four run, recording 14 double-digit rebounding games and two contests with six blocks. ESPN's Jonathan Givony previously identified Krivas as a sleeper prospect, praising his defensive instincts, physical presence, and high skill level.

  • Krivas is currently a junior at the University of Arizona.
  • The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 2026.

The players

Motiejus Krivas

A 7-foot-2 center from Lithuania who plays for the University of Arizona. He has emerged as one of the top rim protectors in college basketball, averaging 10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game as a junior.

New York Knicks

An NBA team based in New York City that is currently in a tight race for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks are known for their elite defensive identity, ranking third in the league in points allowed in the paint.

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What they’re saying

“There were times when I wondered whether Krivas would ever be an NBA-level player. Although he's 7-foot-2 with a wide base and long arms, I thought he looked stiff moving side to side on defense and struggled to assert himself and leverage his size on offense.”

— J. Kyle Mann, NBA Draft Analyst

“He has outstanding hands, long arms, a high skill level, and impressive instincts on both ends of the floor.”

— Jonathan Givony, NBA Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Knicks will continue to monitor Krivas' development at Arizona as they prepare for the 2026 NBA Draft, where they hold their own first-round pick as well as a protected first-rounder from the Washington Wizards.

The takeaway

By targeting a defensive-minded big man like Motiejus Krivas in the 2026 draft, the Knicks can bolster their frontcourt while also aligning with their identity as one of the NBA's elite defensive teams. Krivas' potential to contribute immediately and his long-term upside make him an intriguing option for a Knicks team balancing playoff aspirations and future roster-building.