New York Knicks Should Select A Small Forward In 2017 NBA Draft

The Small Forward Prospects

Jayson Tatum has been compared to Carmelo Anthony. Like Anthony, Tatum is a 6’8″ small forward. As a freshman, he averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds on 45.2 percent shooting from the field.

He can score and distribute out of the high post.

Additionally, Tatum has advanced footwork for a forward. In his draft profile from NBADraft.net, it’s written that he can score from multiple spots on the floor. He handles the ball well and has solid court vision.

Another great strength from Tatum is that he can pass the ball out of the post.

"“Solid defender, has the tools and ability to guard multiple positions … Shows surprising leadership for a player his age … Doesn’t have any major weaknesses to his game …”"

His weaknesses include that he lacks finishing ability at the rim, over-dribbles, and has displayed poor shot selection.

Josh Jackson is the athletic defender New York needs in the future. The Knicks rank No. 26 in points allowed per 100 possessions. The defense was the other main issue on the team. Jackson will address that matter.

Josh Jackson isn’t an elite shooter or a shot-maker. However, he did average 16.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game as a freshman.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, the Knicks indicated him as a great asset to the triangle. Jackson would fit the triangle because, unlike ‘Melo, he’s a willing facilitator.

The future lottery pick averaged 3.0 assists per game and college scouts believes he can average more in the NBA.

Not only can Jackson distribute the ball, but he shoots at a high-efficiency rate. Jackson was shooting 51.1 percent in the regular season. During the March Madness tournament, he shot 53.1 percent.

Even though the draft is filled with point guards, the best picks would likely be gone by No. 6.