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New York Knicks: Intriguing NBA Draft Prospects Who Won’t Play In March Madness

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against the Oregon Ducks during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Oregon defeated Washington, 83-61. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against the Oregon Ducks during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Oregon defeated Washington, 83-61. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 7, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers guard Avry Holmes (12) defends North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) during the first half during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers guard Avry Holmes (12) defends North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) during the first half during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Dennis Smith Jr., North Carolina State Wolfpack

Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (11/25/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 195 pounds, 6’3″
2016-17 Slash Line: .455/.359/.715
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.8 MPG, 18.1 PPG, 6.2 APG, 4.6 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 1.7 3PM

While every player on this list offers reason for intrigue, Dennis Smith Jr. joins Markelle Fultz in the class of the elite. Despite playing for a team that won’t appear in the 2017 NCAA Tournament, Smith is widely regarded as a Top 5 prospect.

If the New York Knicks land a Top 5 draft pick and decide to select a point guard, the North Carolina State Wolfpack star could be the perfect option.

Smith is an explosive athlete who can easily play above the rim and break the game open in transition. He utilizes those skills to create turnovers on defense, collapse opposing defenses on offense, and create space with his quick first step.

The fact that Smith is comfortable letting the 3-ball fly makes it even more difficult for defenders to contain one of the most dynamic talents in the country.

For the Knicks, adding Smith would mean finding a facilitator who can create for Kristaps Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony. It would also add a comparable athlete to Derrick Rose in the sense that he can create off the bounce and finish at the rim.

Some may be ranked higher than Smith, but there are few who would better fit what the Knicks need at point guard than he.

Must Read: It's time to make Kristaps Porzingis the No. 1 scoring threat

Though they may not be playing in the 2017 NCAA Tournament, all five of these prospects could be of value to the New York Knicks.

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