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New York Knicks: Post-Lottery 2017 NBA Mock Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 31, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oscar Robertson and Kansas Jayhawks point guard Frank Mason III pose for a photo during the Oscar Robertson college player of the year trophy presentation at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oscar Robertson and Kansas Jayhawks point guard Frank Mason III pose for a photo during the Oscar Robertson college player of the year trophy presentation at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 7, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives against Clemson Tigers forward Elijah Thomas (14) and Clemson Tigers guard Marcquise Reed (2) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives against Clemson Tigers forward Elijah Thomas (14) and Clemson Tigers guard Marcquise Reed (2) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1, Pick 8: Dennis Smith, North Carolina State Wolfpack

Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (11/25/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 195 pounds, 6’3″
2016-17 Slash Line: .455/.359/.715
2016-17 SeasonAverages: 34.8 MPG, 18.1 PPG, 6.2 APG, 4.6 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 1.7 3PM

The top options at No. 8 overall are Jonathan Isaac, Frank Ntilikina, and Dennis Smith. Ntilikina and Smith are intriguing young point guards with the potential to create offense, while Isaac is a small forward with elite size and alluring potential.

Although Ntilikina and Isaac have the size that the New York Knicks may covet, Smith is the explosive athlete whom Jeff Hornacek needs.

Frank Ntilikina better fits the Knicks’ vision for a system that’s operated by unselfish playmakers who move the ball in unison. Smith, however, is a remarkable athlete who can create penetration and score from all over the court.

Smith knows how to attack the teeth of a defense and finish in traffic, and he’s proven quite capable of scoring with his midrange and 3-point jump shots.

Ntilikina represents a player who’s willing to buy into the system, but Smith is a player with genuine superstar potential. A high school knee injury and his college team’s lack of success are troubling, but Smith can be a genuine impact player.

It’s far from guaranteed that Smith will be the pick here, but it’s worth exploring just how well he can perform for the Knicks.

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