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

2. Playmaking Ability

Dennis Smith is comparable to Damian Lillard in a number of areas, but this is the area in which he’s comparable to Russell Westbrook. Smith is one of the most cerebral facilitators in this draft class, and that alone should put him on the radar.

The New York Knicks need a playmaker, and if Smith’s collegiate success translates to the NBA, he could become one of the best distributors in the Association.

Despite playing on a team that lacked the most ideal of offensive weapons, Smith led the ACC in assists per game. He did so by pairing patience with court vision—a dangerous combination that few possess at such a young age.

Smith turned the ball over at a somewhat high rate, but he did so on a team that forced him to attack the paint and force the ball inside.

Smith, Terry Henderson, Maverick Rowan, and Torin Dorn were the only N.C. State players to make more than 20 3-point field goals. Dorn made 14 of his 24 3-point field goals during the first eight games of the season, thus leaving Smith with three total floor-spacers—one of whom was himself.

With the Knicks, Smith would have a number of capable shooters, including Kristaps Porzingis, to both create space and work off-ball to create open looks. The fit would be quite ideal.