New York Knicks: 2017 NBA Draft Point Guards To Keep An Eye On

Dennis Smith Jr., North Carolina State Wolfpack

Projected: Top 3
Age: 19 (11/25/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 195 pounds, 6’3″
2016-17 Slash Line: .467/.374/.710
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.6 MPG, 18.9 PPG, 6.4 APG, 4.3 RPG, 2.0 SPG, 1.8 3PM

Dennis Smith Jr. entered the 2016-17 college basketball season with rational concerns about the health of his knee. He tore his ACL in high school and thus earned the label of a prospect who carries a significant red flag.

If the New York Knicks have a chance to select the North Carolina State Wolfpack star in the 2017 NBA Draft, however, it would behoove them to do so.

Smith is essentially a 2016-17 version of Derrick Rose in the sense that he carries injury concerns, but also has alluring individual ability. When he’s at his best, Smith looks as dominant as any point guard in the country.

The primary differences between Smith and Rose, however, are that Smith has a consistent outside shot and is already a better defender.

Smith gets up for big games, which is a leadership trait that Phil Jackson would likely and rationally covet. He’s outstanding in the pick and roll, unstoppable in transition, and unwilling to flinch in the face of pressure—no matter the size or caliber of the defender.

Though not the biggest point guard in this draft class, Smith is essentially the Chris Paul of this draft class: a potentially elite player with no true flaw from a skill perspective.

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The question is: which point guard would you like to see the New York Knicks take in the 2017 NBA Draft? Hit the comments section and let us know!