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New York Knicks: Top 10 2017 NBA Draft Prospects In The NCAA Tournament

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 28, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots over Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) in the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots over Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) in the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball against Louisville Cardinals forward Mangok Mathiang (12) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center.
Mar 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball against Louisville Cardinals forward Mangok Mathiang (12) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center. /

3. Jayson Tatum, Duke Blue Devils

Position: Small Forward
Age: 19 (3/3/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8.25″, 204 pounds, 6’11”
2016-17 Slash Line: .453/.336/.866
2016-17 Season Averages: 33.2 MPG, 16.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 1.4 3PM

Jayson Tatum is making a compelling case for being a potential option for the No. 1 overall draft pick. He’s been solid throughout the 2016-17 season, but he utilized the 2017 ACC Tournament as his platform for a breakout.

Over the course of the four games that the Duke Blue Devils won during the ACC Tournament, Tatum averaged 22.0 points on 55.4 percent shooting from the field.

Tatum’s best upside comparison is the player whom he’d either start alongside or become the heir apparent to with the New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony. Like Anthony, Tatum is a 6’8″ small forward with a lethal midrange game and a well-rounded skill set as a scorer.

If Anthony were to become his mentor, it would not only help the Knicks in the long-term, but create a tantalizing frontcourt.

With Tatum at small forward, Anthony at power forward, and Kristaps Porzingis at center, the Knicks would have three tremendous scoring options. That would still leave a void at point guard, but it would be tough for opposing defenses to contain a frontcourt with three versatile scorers.

If Phil Jackson determines that Tatum can develop into the player that he hoped Anthony would be, then this could be a realistic move.

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