2017 NY KNICKS DRAFT REVIEW

2017 NY KNICKS DRAFT REVIEW

Written by Kyle Crabbe

After much chaos circling in the press about the possibility of Knicks Young Star Kristaps Porzingis being traded, the Phil Jackson lead Knicks landed their future Point man in French Prospect Frank Ntilikina. The Knicks in this year's draft didn't make any trades and kept all the current players on their roster but added three very intriguing players to the developing team. Let's go over in this article the young players the Knicks added and their possible roles and futures with the New York Knicks.

With the Knicks first selection, the 8^th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, the Knicks selected French Point Guard Frank Ntilikina.

8^th Pick

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

Breakdown: Frank Ntilikina is a very interesting prospect comparable to Kristaps Porzingis in the feat that he came into this draft relatively unknown to most NBA fans, and is extremely long and his length matched with his athletic ability is very unique. Ntilikina possess a massive 7'3 wingspan and is a committed defensive minded player. Ntilikina is arguably the best defender in this year's draft and has the opportunity to be a great two way starter in the NBA. Ntilikina is a ideal fit for a lead guard in the vaunted “Triangle Offense”, for he is an unselfish pass first Point Guard that can easily play either guard positions. The knocks on the Knicks picking Ntilikina have been that 1)Ntilikina will take 2 to 3 years to develop and contribute, 2) Ntilikina a relative unknown, and 3) the whom the Knicks passed on to select him in NC State Star PG Dennis Smith Jr and Kentucky Sharp Shooting Guard Malik Monk. Ntilikina's career going forward will be forever compared to and evaluated against those players simply because the Knicks passed on them. I believe the idea that they have greater upside than Ntilikina is not a very good point. If upside is how great he can be in the NBA, I believe he has as much upside as Smith and Monk if not more upside. Whereas they can put the ball in the basketball a bit more flashy than Ntilikina, his shear size, length and basketball IQ gives him an opportunity to be a perennial all defense player. I agree he might not immediately have a great impact on the Knicks but all these young players that are 18 and 19 years old that were picked in the lottery will need the same time to grow up and develop in the NBA. Ntilikina was asked what does he think he gives Knick fans, he responded “ Hope and Energy”. I believe Knick fans should be very excited to have had Frank Ntilikina fall to the Knicks at the 8^th selection. With Ntilikina playing alongside Kristaps Porzingis can be an absolute nightmare for the rest of the NBA for the next decade playing in the mecca of basketball.

Grade: A+

44^th Pick

Damyean Dotson SG / HT: 6'6 / WT: 205 / COLLEGE : HOUSTON / AGE : 23

Breakdown: Damyean Dotson is one of the two or three best shooters coming out of the 2017 NBA draft. Dotson is a big Shooting Guard who can really spread the floor. He's a lethal catch and shoot shot maker that also possess great athleticism. Dotson registered a 38 inch vertical leap at the NBA Draft Combine and has great open court ability to finish at the rim. Dotson is also a great rebounder and a very physical defender. I believe Dotson is a first round talent that slid in the draft due to allegations he dealt with at his former school of Oregon. Dotson at worst looks the part of a strong modern day 3-and D wing player in today's NBA. He can immediately contribute and might end up being a steal for Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks.

Grade: A

58^th Pick

Ognjen Jaramaz PG / HT: 6'4 / WT: 195 / MEGA BEMAX( SERBIA PRO TEAM) / AGE : 21

Breakdown: Jaramaz is a very talented big European point guard. Jaramaz is very athletic and plays an aggressive attacking game. Jaramaz plays for the same team that produced Nuggets young star big Nikola Jokic that has been compared to Knicks Young Star Kristaps Porzingis in terms of talent and play. Jaramaz can be seen on youtube for his flashy dunks and athletic bursts to the basket. Jaramaz is a big point guard that loves to push the ball and get easy shots at the basket. Jaramaz has a great pick and roll feel and defensively is very active and aggressive. Jaramaz is a good passer who doesn't turn the ball over very much. His game reminds me of a young Baron Davis on the Charlotte Hornets. His weaknesses are his consistency on his long range jumper, questionable decision making, and defensively he can gamble a bit much. Overall this is a great pick for the potential Jaramaz can bring to the Knicks. Jaramaz will play for this Knicks Summer League team this year but probably will not come over to play for the Knicks for another year or two. As a draft and stash prospect that was relatively off any NBA pundits radar, this pick shows that the Knicks front office and Scouting staff has done a great job seeking for talent outside of the USA, a lot like the great San Antonio Spurs Franchise.

Grade: A-

Verdict

I have to say I believe the Knicks did a great job in the 2017 NBA draft and drafted 3 players Knicks fans can be very excited about. I believe they were able to get a very unique and rare talent in Frank Ntilikina in the lottery, and a great potential starting 2 Guard in Damyean Dotson in the second round. As well as adding a very talented European player in PG Ognjen Jaramaz for the future. What this draft is shaping up like the drafting of Kristaps Porzingis 2 years ago, for it gives Knicks fans “Hope” for a bright future on the NBA's brightest stage.