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

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) controls the ball against Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) controls the ball against Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 7, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives against Clemson Tigers forward Elijah Thomas (14) and Clemson Tigers guard Marcquise Reed (2) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives against Clemson Tigers forward Elijah Thomas (14) and Clemson Tigers guard Marcquise Reed (2) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Dennis Smith Jr., North Carolina State Wolfpack

Age: 19 (11/25/1997)
Class: Freshman
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 195 pounds, 6’3″
2016-17 Slash Line: .455/.359/.715
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.8 MPG, 18.1 PPG, 6.2 APG, 4.6 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 1.7 3PM

The New York Knicks need a point guard who can consistently create penetration and get to the rim. If Derrick Rose is going to leave in free agency, then Smith could be the best possible player to replace him with from a pure upside perspective.

Smith has a lot of Rose in his game as a relentless slasher who searches for ways to win, and he may be capable of becoming a more well-rounded player in contemporary form.

Smith showed signs of elite upside as a facilitator during his freshman season with the North Carolina State Wolfpack. He also has a high ceiling on the defensive end of the floor and the makings of a consistent outside shot.

Smith may not become an MVP-caliber player like Rose was able to, but he has the potential to be a multi-time All-Star at the point guard position.

Smith’s athletic ability and pick and roll proficiency make him an ideal fit alongside Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez. He could also be an ideal complement to Carmelo Anthony as a drive-and-dish facilitator who can find shooters along the perimeter.

Smith seems to have fallen behind the point guards who played for bigger programs, but he has as much upside as any player in this draft class.

Must Read: Free agent point guards who can replace Derrick Rose

Regardless of what Phil Jackson chooses to do with Derrick Rose, the New York Knicks will have options in the 2017 NBA Draft.

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