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New York Knicks: 2017 NBA Draft Prospects To Watch In Conference Tournaments

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) drives to the basket as Kansas Jayhawks forward Landen Lucas (33) defends during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Kansas won 90-85. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) drives to the basket as Kansas Jayhawks forward Landen Lucas (33) defends during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Kansas won 90-85. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; College Station, TX, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) dunks the ball during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; College Station, TX, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) dunks the ball during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Malik Monk, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (2/4/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 185 pounds, 6’6″
2016-17 Slash Line: .463/.409/.841
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.3 MPG, 21.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 3.0 3PM

Malik Monk is widely regarded as a Top 10 prospects in the 2017 NBA Draft. He’s an explosive athlete, a lights-out shooter, and a fearless player who has the potential to become the best scorer in this draft class.

Monk is also an undersized shooting guard who hasn’t yet proven to be a full-time point guard, however, which raises the question: can he do what he does best when it matters most?

Monk’s appeal as a prospect is his scoring ability, and that makes his ability to handle high-pressure situations a key area in which he must be evaluated. He’s been successful in regular season scenarios, but this is where Monk’s scoring prowess will truly be tested.

A poor performance wouldn’t necessarily send him flying down draft boards—see: Andrew Wiggins in the 2014 NCAA Tournament—but Monk is already walking on uneven ground.

For the New York Knicks, the appeal of adding Monk would be finding an explosive athlete and scorer who can create instant offense. He projects to be an outstanding fit in Jeff Hornacek’s offense already, but this is where he’ll make his money.

If Monk shows out during conference play, he’d justify the hype he’s received for what’s been a generally superb season in 2016-17.

Must Read: International prospects to scout for the 2017 NBA Draft

All of these players have appeal already, but for the New York Knicks to pick or consider them, they must start March Madness on a high note.

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