When Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal tested the NBA Draft waters last spring, it wasn't surprising. He left the door open to return to Blacksburg if he withdrew from the NBA Draft process, and that was what he did.
However, with all the hype surrounding the Hokies in 2025-26, they disappointed and missed the NCAA Tournament. It was a frustrating final college season for Lawal after he missed a couple of months with an injury. He was never able to get right, and he missed most of the ACC action after suffering an injury at the end of the non-conference schedule.
That didn't stop NBA scouts from fawning over Lawal, and in most mock draft projections for later this month, he's projected to be picked in the second round, most likely late. Adam Finkelstein of CBS Sports released his latest mock draft, and he predicted Lawal to end up with one of the two teams in the NBA Finals.
CBS Sports predicts Tobi Lawal to be drafted by the New York Knicks
Finkelstein predicted that Lawal would be picked in the second round, 55th overall, by the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks. New York holds a 2-1 NBA Finals lead on the San Antonio Spurs ahead of Game 4 on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
"Lawal is a truly elite athlete who will be able to simplify his game at the NBA level in hopes of finding a sustainable niche. The Knicks have minimal frontcourt depth locked in for next year, so he could have an opportunity,'' wrote Finkelstein.
Lawal is certainly someone who a team would absolutely take a chance on late in the draft. His athleticism is through the roof, and something teams can't ignore. The Knicks would be an interesting landing spot for Lawal, as Finkelstein wrote. New York could use some front-court depth, and Lawal could be someone who could fill that void. There is also the chance that he ends up in the G League. Regardless, it would be surprising if Lawal didn't hear his name called in this month's NBA Draft. How great would it be to land in New York?
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