New York Knicks: NBA Draft Prospects Who Shined In Round Of 64

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Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) handles the ball against Troy Trojans forward DeVon Walker (25) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Jayson Tatum, Duke Blue Devils

Position: Small Forward
Age: 19 (3/3/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8.25″, 204 pounds, 6’11”
2016-17 Slash Line: .450/.336/.854
2016-17 Season Averages: 33.3 MPG, 16.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 1.4 3PM

The Duke Blue Devils were in dominant form during the Round of 64. No player was better for Duke than freshman Jayson Tatum, who dominated the game on both ends of the floor against the Troy Trojans.

Tatum is on pace to become a Top 5 selection in the 2017 NBA Draft, and he did nothing but help his status as an elite prospect against Troy.

Tatum finished the 87-65 win over Troy with 18 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, four blocks, and four steals in 35 minutes of play. It wasn’t his most efficient shooting performance, but he was everywhere on both ends of the floor.

If Phil Jackson determines that the optimal approach is to select the best player available, then Tatum should be the prospect he targets.

Throughout the evaluation process, Tatum has been consistently compared to two future Hall of Famers. The first is Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce, who’s an NBA champion, Finals MVP, and 10-time All-Star.

The other player whom Tatum has been likened to around NBA circles has been current New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony. Enough said.

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