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

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) runs past St. John's Red Storm forward Richard Freudenberg (20) for a score during the second half at Wells Fargo. The Villanova Wildcats won 92-79. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) runs past St. John's Red Storm forward Richard Freudenberg (20) for a score during the second half at Wells Fargo. The Villanova Wildcats won 92-79. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 24, 2017; Morgantown, WV, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) drives towards the basket during the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; Morgantown, WV, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) drives towards the basket during the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

Josh Jackson, Kansas Jayhawks

Projected: Top 5
Age: 19 (2/10/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7.75″, 203 pounds, 6’9.75″
2016-17 Slash Line: .496/.339/.549
2016-17 Season Averages: 29.7 MPG, 16.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 0.9 3PM

Most have Josh Jackson listed as a small forward, but he’d have an easier time as a young player at shooting guard. His primary skill in the present is his ability to overpower players and get to the rim, which he wouldn’t be able to do against NBA small forwards this early in his career.

Much as Andrew Wiggins began his career at shooting guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jackson would be able to do the same for the New York Knicks.

Jackson is one of the most naturally gifted athletes in the country, which has birthed the belief that stardom could be on the horizon. Standing at 6’8″ with a 6’10” wingspan and a projected 40″ max vertixal leap, Jackson is an absolute physical marvel.

Jackson has utilized those physical gifts to dominate in transition, slash at will, and develop into one of the better young defensive players in this draft class.

What hurts Jackson is the fact that he’s a lackluster jump shooter who struggles to consistently knock down open shots. That will hinder him early in his NBA career and isn’t guaranteed to be fixed, no matter how many other players have improved in that regard.

Nevertheless, the Knicks desperately need perimeter defense and a player who can consistently create penetration, and Jackson checks both boxes.

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