New York Knicks: 2017 NBA Draft Targets Who Aren’t Point Guards

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: .452/.342/.849
2016-17 Season Averages: 33.3 MPG, 16.8 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 1.4 3PM

Duke Blue Devils freshman Jayson Tatum has been consistently compared to an NBA star: Carmelo Anthony. He’s built similarly from a physical perspective, and like Anthony, he has a stellar midrange game and a well-rounded offensive skill set.

Tatum has tremendous upside on the defensive end of the floor, as well, which makes him a prime candidate to be drafted by the New York Knicks.

Tatum, like Anthony, has the skill set to be a dominant scoring force in the triangle offense. The system is designed to make it difficult for opposing defenses to predict where the star is going to be, and Tatum would benefit from being thrust into such as system.

With a versatile scoring threat in Kristaps Porzingis and a solid low-post player in Willy Hernangomez, Tatum could help round out the frontcourt of the future with three strong scorers.

Tatum has proven to be a willing passer and a committed defender, which is something New York needs on the roster. His 3-point shot is still somewhat inconsistent, but Tatum’s natural shooting ability creates promise and potential in that regard.

There’s no such thing as a perfect prospect, but Tatum is talented and impressionable. He could potentially fill the role that Phil Jackson envisioned for Anthony.

Must Read: Hubie Brown offered a detailed evaluation of Kristaps Porzingis

Though selecting a point guard may be the preferred approach, the New York Knicks will have a chance to secure the future with potential stars at multiple positions in the 2017 NBA Draft.