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New York Knicks: Final Pre-Lottery 2017 NBA Mock Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins (1) signals to his teammates as they play against the Xavier Musketeers during the first period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Xavier Musketeers defeated the Arizona Wildcats 73-71. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins (1) signals to his teammates as they play against the Xavier Musketeers during the first period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Xavier Musketeers defeated the Arizona Wildcats 73-71. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 28, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Justin Jackson (21) dribbles in the first half against the Minnesota Gophers forward Jordan Murphy (3) at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Justin Jackson (21) dribbles in the first half against the Minnesota Gophers forward Jordan Murphy (3) at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2, Pick 45: Justin Jackson, Maryland Terrapins

Position: Small Forward
Age: 20 (2/18/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7.5″, 230 pounds, 7’3″
2016-17 Slash Line: .438/.438/.698
2016-17 Season Averages: 27.8 MPG, 10.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.8 ORPG, 0.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 1.4 3PM

The top prospects in the 2017 NBA Draft will be found in the first round, but Justin Jackson could be a diamond in the rough. The Maryland Terrapins freshman will test the draft waters, and he could develop into a high-quality full-time starter at the next level.

Jackson has an alluring combination of size, strength, and length, and the New York Knicks would be wise to explore that potential.

Jackson stands at 6’8” and 230 pounds with a 7’3” wingspan and a massive upper body that he’s learning to throw around. He’s somewhat comparable to Lance Thomas from a physical perspective, but is a quicker and more explosive athlete than the Knicks’ current hybrid forward.

New York needs to improve its perimeter defense, and by drafting Jackson, it would be making a concerted effort to improve in that regard.

On the offensive end of the floor, Jackson maintained a steady and stable stroke from beyond the arc during his freshman season. He needs to improve the consistency with which he creates off the bounce, but he can make a successful transition to the NBA if he continues to work on his jumper.

If the Knicks work closely with Jackson to improve his footwork and fundamentals, he could be the two-way player whom New York desperately needs along the wings.

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