2017 NEW YORK KNICKS DRAFT PREVIEW

2017 New York Knicks Draft Preview

Written By Kyle Crabbe

The 2017 NBA Draft is shaping up to be a great opportunity for the New York Knicks to continue their rebuild under the Phil Jackson ran regime. The Knicks enter this draft with a lottery pick and two second round picks with the possibility of trading for another first round selection. I will weave through the options and possibilities that the Knicks will most likely look at in this year's draft in my 2017 NY Knicks Draft Preview.

First Round

For the First Round the Knicks will most likely look to strengthen their backcourt prospects. For their first round pick the Knicks hold the 8^th overall selection and the Knicks will most likely be picking between NC Star Guard Dennis Smith, Kentucky's Scoring Guard Malik Monk, and International French Prospect PG Frank Ntilikina. We will look over the potential fit, as well as strengths and weakness of these three potential picks as well as looking at the prospects the Knicks might trade into the latter first round to jump up and select.

-Malik Monk SG/ 6'3 / 190 / Kentucky University / AGE: 19

Strengths

-Elite Scorer

-Great Athleticism

-Clutch Player

-Great Long Range Shooter

-Star Potential

Weaknesses

-Undersized for SG

-Playmaking Ability

-Shot Selection

-Defensive Consistency

Pro Comparison

Lou Williams, Eric Gordon, Jamal Crawford

Verdict

Malik Monk is a very intriguing prospect that might not be on the board by the time the 8^th pick comes. Monk has star potential, was an elite scorer throughout college on a big stage at the University of Kentucky. For the Knicks he can become a legitimate scoring threat for many years to come. However the Knicks struggles of season's past has been on the defensive side of the ball and not the offense. I believe this could be a good pick but I don't think it would be the best pick for the Knicks moving forward.

-Dennis Smith Jr PG / 6'3 / 195 / North Carolina State / AGE: 19

Strengths

-Rare Uber Althetic Ability

-Great Playmaking Ability

-Great Scoring Ability

-Great Speed and Leaping Ability

-Franchise Player Potential

Weaknesses

-Major Past Knee Injury in HS

-A tad undersized

-Defensive Consistency

Pro Comparison

-Kyle Lowry, Steve Francis, Baron Davis, Eric Bledsoe

Verdict

Dennis Smith has as much talent as any player in this draft and is probably the best athlete in this draft. He has breathtaking speed and a rare leaping ability that reminds us of a young Steve Francis. I feel that for this Knicks team he is a better option than a Malik Monk because he can play the true point guard and is a bonafided playmaker. But for me his weaknesses play into the current Knicks weaknesses and that is again on the defensive side of the court. He could still be a very good pick for the Knicks and can be a perennial all-star to partner up with Knicks budding Superstar Kristaps Porzingis.

Frank Ntilikina PG / 6'5 / 170 / Strasbourg(France Pro Team) / AGE: 18

Strenghts

-Rare Length and Size for PG( Rumored 7'0 Wingspan)

-Elite Defensive Skills

-Great Court Vision

-Improved Jump Shooter

-Played Professionally for 3 years and is still 18

Weaknesses

-Skinny Slim Frame

-Needs to add strength

Pro Comparison

George Hill, Gary Payton

Verdict

Frank Ntilikina is this year's man of mystery coming from the international ranks. However, he possesses a rare combination of skills that should make him at worst at excellent two-way player in the NBA. Ntilikina's athleticism doesn't jump off the screen like say Malik Monk or Dennis Smith but his size and length gives him an opportunity to potentially be an exceptional player at the NBA level. I feel he is the best pick for the Knicks and a player based on past Phil Jackson assessments that Phil would love to have for his ideal fit as a Lead Guard in the Triangle Offense. He would easily improve the Knicks defensively and brings in a player with experience in the European style game that will mesh well with Knicks current International star pieces Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez.

Possible First Round Trade

-The Knicks have reportedly also been trying to find a suitor to gain a second first round pick. The reports have centered around Knicks talks with the Portland Trailblazers who own the 15, 20, and 26 draft selections in the first round. I think there's a very good chance the Knicks might make a deal to the Trailblazers for their 20^th or 26^th pick. I don't think the trade would include say Carmelo Anthony, because I don't think that the Blazers could offer enough or that Melo would waive his no trade clause to play in Portland. But the Knicks might package say Courtney Lee or Kyle O'Quinn with Cash for one of those two picks. I believe if they did acquire 20 or 26 this would focus on players like SF Justin Jackson of UNC, SG Luke Kennard of Duke, Kansas State wing Wesley Iwundu, South Carolina PG PJ Dozier, or UNC Bigman Tony Bradley.

Second Round

In the Second Round of this year's draft the Knicks will look for young prospects that can potentially become rotation players in the near future. This year has a fairly deep pool of talented prospects that should bode well for the Knicks. The Knicks hold two picks in this year's second round of the draft. We will look at the potential picks at number 45 and selection number 58 in the second round.

Pick #45

Their are quite a few players that the Knicks will be looking at with this selection and there's a number of solid prospects that they can potential pick. Let's look at 5 potential great options for the Knicks at number 45.

1. Sindarius Thornwell SG/ 6'5 / 210 / South Carolina / Sr.
   Pick Prospects: Thornwell is a Guard with good size that is a natural scorer. A mature player that excelled in the college game. Very well rounded game, can score at three levels and guard 1-4 on defense. Plays with a chip and brings a strong competitors spirit to the game. At number 45 he would be a great selection to bring in to contribute and mature into a strong rotational player.
2. Cam Oliver PF / 6'9 / 240 / Nevada / So.
   Quick Scouting Report: A solid built Forward with Offensive versatility and good defensive skills. Can hit 3's and also get after it on the other end and block shots.
3. Mathias Lessort PF / 6'9 / 235 / Nanterre 92(French Pro League)
   Quick Scouting Report: Brings dynamic energy to the game. A exciting fluid athlete with NBA ready body that can do the dirty work very well.
4. Damyean Dotson SG / 6'6 / 205 / Houston Cougars / Sr.
   Quick Scouting Report: An impressive skill set, big prototypical 2 Guard that Phil Jackson would covet. Versatile scoring wing who plays a game comparable to Denver Nuggets wing and former NY Knick draft pick Wilson Chandler. One of the better shooters in the draft and ranked 4 in vertical leap at Draft Combine.
5. Tyler Dorsey PG/SG / 6'4 / 185 / Oregon / So.
   Quick Scouting Report: Combo Guard that can handle the ball well, get his own shot and shoots well from long range. Has the skill set to fit well in the Triangle Offense.

Pick #58

At selection number 58 the Knicks will look to add a player that can join the Franchise with the potential to be developed and mature to help and contribute to the Knicks Pro Team.

1. Deonte Burton SF/PF / 6'5 / 250 / Iowa State / Sr.
   Pick Prospects: Burton is an interesting prospect that compares to Draymond Green or a Jae Crowder. He possesses a incredible 6'11 wingspan and was one of the best defensive players in college last year. He can play a modern 5 defensively very similar to how Draymond Green plays in the Golden State system but also can facilitate and shoot a decent 3 point shot also liken to Green. Offensively he is versatile and able to contribute in a lot of different ways similar to Jae Crowder's game. He has a well rounded game and brings a rare intensity and competitive spirit to the defensive side of the ball. I believe he would be a great pick for the Knicks here and can become a great bench piece for them in coming years.
2. Edmond Sumner PG/SG / 6'5 / 175 / Xaxier / So.
   Quick Scouting Report: Sumner is a Big Guard, with elite size for the position. A first round talent that might slip from past injuries. Still possess great quickness, great ability to get to the rim, special athletic ability, and very good court vision.
3. Luke Kornet C / 7'1 / 250 / Vanderbilt / Sr.
   Quick Scouting Report: Fluid Athlete for size, excellent shot-blocker with superb shooting touch. Holds record in college for most 3's made by player 7'0 or taller. Game is comparable to today's Brook Lopez.
4. Jaron Blossomgame SF/ 6'7 / 220 / Clemson / Sr.
   Quick Scouting Report: Blossomgame is a well rounded wing player, that comes in as a mature player that can contribute immediately. He's comparable to Andre Igudodala as he excels in all aspects of the game.
5. VJ Beachem SF / 6'7 / 195 / Notre Dame / Sr.
   Quick Scouting Report: Beachem is an impressive althete with the size, length, and vertical leap to be a potential second round steal. He can shoot lights out and projects to be a solid 3 and D wing in the NBA.

The Knicks can potentially dramatically improve their future in this year's draft. I believe they can continue their great international movement with drafting French Prospect Frank Ntilikina. And further developing a culture that resembles Phil Jackson's program with adding solid well rounded prospects in the later draft like a Sindarius Thornwell, Cam Oliver, Deonte Burton, or Edmond Sumner. This should be a very exciting time for New York Knicks fans, as they will begin to see the transformation of their team for the first time since the Patrick Ewing era develop into a perennial powerhouse.