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

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Mar 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) controls the ball against Clemson Tigers forward Donte Grantham (15) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Luke Kennard, Duke Blue Devils

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 20 (6/24/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 187 pounds, 6’5″
2016-17 Slash Line: .499/.443/.849
2016-17 Season Averages: 35.9 MPG, 20.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.4 3PM

Entering the 2016-17 college basketball season, most pegged Grayson Allen as the returning player who’s most likely to win National Player of the Year. Surprisingly, it’s been a different sharpshooter who has been the go-to player for the 27-8 Duke Blue Devils.

If the New York Knicks are looking for a sharpshooter to place at shooting guard, then it would be easy to justify drafting Kennard.

Kennard has been a surprisingly versatile offensive weapon for the ACC champion Blue Devils. He’s an elite shooter who can shoot the 3-ball on a consistent basis, which was established early in his collegiate career.

A southpaw sharpshooter, playing the 6’5″ Kennard at shooting guard would enable Jeff Hornacek to achieve maximum spacing with a knockdown shooter along the wings.

What’s surprising about Kennard’s arsenal is that he’s a capable playmaker who willingly moves the ball. He’s far from an elite dribble penetrator, but he can come off of screens and facilitate the offense in relief of his point guard.

It’s unlikely that Kennard will be one of the Knicks’ selections, but if the stars align, he could be a tremendous addition to Hornacek’s offense.

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