New York Knicks: NBA Draft Point Guards To Watch In 2016-17

Dennis Smith Jr., North Carolina State Wolfpack

Class: Freshman
Age: 18 (11/25/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’1.5″, 175 pounds, 6’3″
2015-16 Slash Line: N/A
2015-16 Season Averages: N/A

North Carolina State Wolfpack point guard Dennis Smith Jr. has drawn comparisons to Los Angeles Clippers superstar Chris Paul. Smith is more of a scorer than a facilitator at this current juncture, but he has the raw ability to do it all on both ends of the floor.

If Smith can stay healthy during the 2016-17 college basketball season, then he’ll have a chance to be one of the Top 5 selections in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Beyond the obvious need to prove himself on the collegiate level, there’s no question about whether or not Smith is skilled enough to play at a star-caliber level. His skill set is as polished as any incoming point guard in the country.

Smith suffered a torn ACL in high school, however, which could cause general managers to shy away from selecting him.

If a healthy Smith falls to the New York Knicks, then he’d be worth the investment. He has the potential to be the best player in this draft class, with the skill set and the tenacity to be a nightly double-double threat in the NBA.

Smith has the all-around ability that every general manager covets in a point guard. He’s unlikely to be available, but New York should study him closely on the off chance he is.