JaQuan Lyle, Ohio State Buckeyes
Class: Sophomore
Age: 20 (2/24/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 214 pounds, 6’9″
2015-16 Slash Line: .397/.252/.712
2015-16 Season Averages: 29.7 MPG, 11.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.9 3PM
JaQuan Lyle may not have shot the lights out in 2015-16, but it’s clear that he has the tools develop into a high-quality NBA player. At his best as a freshman, he was an all-around contributor who looked the part of a genuine star.
The New York Knicks could find the perfect complement to Courtney Lee in the form of Lyle—a player who could be available in the late first or second round.
As a freshman, Lyle had two games with at least 10 assists, four games with at least 10 rebounds, and one triple-double. He also had three games with at least 20 points, two with at least 25 points, and nine with at least two 3-point field goals made.
Lyles did a bit of everything for the Buckeyes in 2015-16, which makes 2016-17 the perfect platform for a breakout season.
The Knicks should look for Lyle to improve his jump shot—25.2 percent from 3, 71.2 percent at the free throw line—and cut down on turnovers. He has significant defensive potential, as well, but that all comes down to consistency.
The question is: can Lyle actually make the necessary improvements to justify his being selected by the Knicks in 2017?