New York Knicks: Don’t Forget About Dennis Smith In 2017 NBA Draft

4. Defensive Potential

The single hardest determination to make about NBA Draft prospects is how well the perimeter players will defend at the next level. Knowing that to be true, teams must evaluate habits as much as they do pure ability.

If Dennis Smith remains committed to the cause of defending his man, then the New York Knicks could potentially land a quality performer on that end of the floor.

The 19-year-old Smith is one of the best ball hawks in this draft class. He recorded an average of 1.9 steals per game in 2016-17, which ranked second in the ACC and thoroughly established how dangerous he can be when aggressive in pursuing the ball.

Steals aren’t necessarily a sign of great defense, but New York needs a defensive playmaker after ranking No. 23 in steals and No. 29 in points off turnovers in 2016-17.

Unfortunately, Smith generally struggled as a defensive player during his freshman season at North Carolina State. He has a somewhat underwhelming wingspan and standing reach, which thus enables taller players to shoot over him.

If Smith is willing to put in the extra measure of work, a la a generously 6’0″ Chris Paul—who also suffered a severe knee injury—then he can reverse his misfortune and turn this genuine potential into something tangible.