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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 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) drives against Xavier Musketeers guard J.P. Macura (55) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) drives against Xavier Musketeers guard J.P. Macura (55) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Alternative Options

The most unfortunate reality of the New York Knicks falling to No. 8 overall is that De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk are all but guaranteed to be off the board by then. If they are available, then it would behoove the Knicks to take a chance on a former Kentucky Wildcats star.

Unfortunately, Fox and Monk are projected Top 5 picks who are unlikely to slide to No. 8 with so many point guard starved teams—Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Sacramento—ahead of New York.

Thankfully, the Knicks could have an attractive alternative option to Dennis Smith in Jonathan Isaac. Isaac is a 6’11” small forward with an outside shot, compelling instincts as a scorer, and elite defensive potential.

Isaac will need time to develop into a full-time starter at the next level, namely as he adds bulk to his frame, but he has genuine star potential.

If the Knicks go another route, the top prospect who makes the most sense is Frank Ntilikina. Ntilikina isn’t a great athlete, but he can space the floor with his outside shot, facilitate the offensive, and could potentially defend at a high level.

Smith may be the pick right now, but it could shift over to either Isaac or Ntilikina at any point in time—and it may happen sooner than later.

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