New York Knicks: 2017 NBA Draft Point Guards Who Can Replace Derrick Rose

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Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) controls the ball against Kentucky Wildcats forward Wenyen Gabriel (32) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Lonzo Ball, UCLA Bruins

Age: 19 (10/27/1997)
Class: Freshman
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6″, 190 pounds, 6’7″
2016-17 Slash Line: .551/.412/.673
2016-17 Season Averages: 35.1 MPG, 14.6 PPG, 7.6 APG, 6.0 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 2.2 3PM

Lonzo Ball and his father, LaVar Ball, have made it abundantly clear that their ideal situation would be to end up with the Los Angeles Lakers. Ball’s father is also one of the most outspoken individuals in the basketball community, perhaps only rivaled by New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson.

The question is: would taking a chance on the player be worth the risk if the result would be the father and Jackson potentially clashing on a public forum?

For all of the pomp and circumstance, it’s impossible to deny how gifted a player Ball is at 19 years of age. He has the court vision and defensive potential of a young Jason Kidd, as well as the finishing ability of a high-level NBA scorer.

Ball’s shooting form is nothing short of flawed, but if the New York Knicks want a point guard who can facilitate the offense and defend at a high level, then he could be the answer.

Ball will need to work on his shooting form in order to achieve sustainable success from beyond the arc. Defenders will make it far more difficult for him to get his shot off in the NBA and won’t give him as much time to wind up and let the 3-ball fly.

There are flaws, but if Ball is the second coming of Ason Kidd—no typo—then he would be an absolutely phenomenal grab for the Knicks.

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