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NBA Mock Draft 2017: What If The New York Knicks Don’t Go Point Guard?

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 18, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) reacts after a play during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) reacts after a play during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Coral Gables, FL, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) dribbles the ball against Miami Hurricanes guard Ja’Quan Newton (0) during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Coral Gables, FL, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) dribbles the ball against Miami Hurricanes guard Ja’Quan Newton (0) during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Alternative Options

The alternative options at No. 8 are point guards who’d fit what most fans believe the New York Knicks need. They play different styles, but both prospects would be of great value to the Knicks and the triangle offense.

With De’Aaron Fox likely to be off the board and Malik Monk in line to experience the same fate by No. 8, the attention turns to Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith.

Ntilikina has been making waves by putting forth yet another excellent season in France’s LNB Pro A. He won the LNB Pro A Rising Star award for the second consecutive year, joining Nicolas Batum and Evan Fournier as the most recent two-time winners.

As a 6’5″ point guard with a projected 7’0″ wingspan, intriguing court vision, a vastly improved outside shot, and defensive potential, Ntilikina is quite the appealing prospect.

Smith doesn’t have Ntilikina’s size, but he makes up for it with athleticism that rates amongst the most explosive in this draft class. He’s also one of the best playmakers in this country with NBA-caliber court vision and the repertoire to average upwards of 20 points per game.

With elite finishing ability, a smooth midrange game, and a solid outside shot, Smith can complement his facilitating duties with the ability to consistently create.

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