Markelle Fultz, Washington Huskies
Position: Point Guard
Age: 18 (5/29/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4″, 195 pounds, 6’9.75″
2016-17 Slash Line: .476/.413/.649
2016-17 Season Averages: 35.7 MPG, 23.2 PPG, 5.9 APG, 5.7 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 2.1 3PM
The Washington Huskies were one of the worst power conference teams in the country, but Markelle Fultz remains a top prospect in the 2017 NBA Draft. Much like Ben Simmons in 2016, there’s a favorable chance that Fultz will overcome his team’s lack of success and go No. 1 overall.
Considering Fultz said, “It would be amazing,” to play for the New York Knicks, it’s far from surprising that Phil Jackson shares the interest.
Fultz is the complete package at the point guard position. He has prototypical size at 6’4″ with a near 6’10” wingspan, is a proficient facilitator, can create off the bounce, has a respectable outside shot, and has flashed elite upside on defense.
If the Knicks were to draft Fultz, then Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez would be complemented by a point guard who can either match or exceed their promise and potential.
The appeal with Fultz is that he has the tools to play both with and without the ball. He can be the focal point of the triangle offense as a scoring threat, the facilitator in both transition and the half court, or a floor-spacing 3-point shooter who holds defenses accountable.
Versatility is the name of the game in the modern NBA, and Fultz has upside of a taller Chris Paul. New York is wise to be interested.