New York Knicks: International Prospects To Scout For 2017 NBA Draft

2. Kostja Mushidi, Mega Leks

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 18 (6/18/1998)
Height & Weight: 6’5″ & 210 pounds
2016-17 Slash Line: .363/.319/.743
2016-17 Season Averages: 23.2 MPG, 9.1 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.8 3PM

If Kostja Mushidi is available in the second round, then the New York Knicks would be wise to take a chance on him. He’s a 6’5″ and 210-pound shooting guard with a relentless competitive edge and a willingness to defend.

Mushidi must do a better job of controlling his emotions on the court, but he plays with an elusive fighting spirit that’s often found in impact players.

Mushidi is currently projected to come off the board in the second round, but he could slip into the late first range. That may put him out of New York’s reach, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be scouted and evaluated.

Mushidi has the athleticism and mean streak that teams covet in shooting guards, and while his jump shot is still a work in progress, he’s not afraid to shoot.

It’s easier to teach a fearless player to be responsible than it is to teach a gun-shy player to let it fly. Thus, while the Belgian prodigy may need to polish his game, his combination of size, length, athleticism, and slashing ability are far too intriguing to ignore.

This would be something of a project pick, but it would be well worth Phil Jackson and Jeff Hornacek’s time to explore Mushidi’s upside.