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New York Knicks Work Out Four 2017 NBA Draft Prospects

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 28, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) and forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) celebrate in the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Vanderbilt 73-67.Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) and forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) celebrate in the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Vanderbilt 73-67.Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Starkville, MS, USA; LSU Tigers guard Antonio Blakeney (2) handles the ball during the first half of the game against the LSU Tigers at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Starkville, MS, USA; LSU Tigers guard Antonio Blakeney (2) handles the ball during the first half of the game against the LSU Tigers at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

Antonio Blakeney, LSU TIgers

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 20 (10/4/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4″, 190 pounds, 6’7.5″
2016-17 Slash Line: .458/.358/.724
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.9 MPG, 17.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.7 3PM

Although he hasn’t achieved the notoriety of fellow former LSU Tigers star Ben Simmons, Antonio Blakeney is an intriguing prospect. He’s a 6’4″ shooting guard with a somewhat short wingspan, but he has the elite athleticism to balance that out.

Blakeney has an unofficial 45″ max vertical leap and an improved outside shot that should enable him to develop into a high-quality player at the next level.

Blakeney would fit the Knicks’ need for an athletic perimeter player who can consistently create penetration. He had no trouble finishing against NCAA defenses during his two-year career, and he could develop into a similarly effective player at the next level.

The addition of a solid outside shot—105 3-point field goals made on 34.7 percent shooting over the course of two seasons—should expedite that process.

In the NBA, Blakeney will need to develop an ability to play without the ball in his hands. He’s an effective finisher and improving playmaker, but he must improve in catch-and-shoot scenarios in order to maximize his NBA potential.

Likely to be available at No. 44 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, Blakeney could be a solid addition via a low-risk second-round draft pick.

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