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Knicks Rumors: Six 2017 NBA Draft Targets Revealed

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (left) and guard De'Aaron Fox speak at a press conference after defeating the UCLA Bruins during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Kentucky won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (left) and guard De'Aaron Fox speak at a press conference after defeating the UCLA Bruins during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Kentucky won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) reacts during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) reacts during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Josh Jackson, Kansas Jayhawks

Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 20 (2/10/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8″, 203 pounds, 6’9.75″
2016-17 Slash Line: .513/.378/.566
2016-17 Season Averages: 30.8 MPG, 16.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.3 ORPG, 1.7 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 1.0 3PM

The Kansas Jayhawks have done an excellent job of recruiting athletic wings with star potential. Not all have panned out at the next level, but Bill Self knows how to find and acquire players with NBA-caliber talent and upside.

The only player on this list who isn’t a point guard, Josh Jackson is the two-way wing whom Phil Jackson appears to covet in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Phil Jackson knows something about elite two-way wings—see: Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen. Comparing Josh Jackson to any of those players would be unfair, but he has the generational upside that teams can’t help but covet.

Jackson is a self-motivated defender who displayed an advanced understanding of the need to get his teammates involved during the 2016-17 season.

Jackson’s explosive athleticism is a tool that every team will value come the 2017 NBA Draft. For the Knicks, adding a wing who has the athleticism to defend multiple positions would change the entire identity of the team.

Jackson projects to be a top-3 pick this coming June. If the Knicks strike gold in the lottery, they could be getting an Andre Iguodala type of player—and that’s a safe upside comparison.

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