Edmond Sumner, Xavier Musketeers
Class: Junior
Age: 20 (12/31/1995)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5.5″, 181 pounds, 6’8″
2015-16 Slash Line: .397/.301/.727
2015-16 Season Averages: 25.9 MPG, 11.0 PPG, 3.6 APG, 3.4 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 0.8 3PM
Xavier Musketeers point guard Edmond Sumner may be the most physically intriguing point guard in the 2017 NBA Draft. Standing at just under 6’6″ with a 6’8″ wingspan, Sumner has the size and length that Phil Jackson has been known to adore in a point guard.
Sumner has more upside than immediate value, but if he proves himself in 2016-17, he should find himself firmly on the New York Knicks’ radar.
Sumner has garnered hype as far as being a lottery pick in 2017 is concerned. He’s yet to have earned that distinction, however, and he’ll need to improve his jump shot before a team is willing to take that gamble.
Whether Sumner falls or the Knicks pick earlier than expected in the 2017 NBA Draft, he’s the type of player Jackson and the front office should be scouting.
In 2015-16, Sumner recorded per 40 minute averages of 17.0 points, 5.6 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.2 3-point field goals made. He needs to improve his efficiency, but those statistics display how well-rounded a player he truly is.
Sumner has tantalizing upside, but he needs to better establish himself as an NBA-caliber point guard in 2016-17.
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There are other options to be outlined and documented, but the Knicks need to keep an eye on his development.