New York Knicks: An Ambitious And Optimistic 2017 NBA Mock Draft

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Nov 15, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) drives against Michigan State Spartans guard Cassius Winston (5) and forward Miles Bridges (22) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1, Pick 8: Malik Monk, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (2/4/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 197 pounds, 6’6″
2016-17 Slash Line: .450/.397/.822
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.1 MPG, 19.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.7 3PM

The New York Knicks will enter the 2017 NBA Draft with a pressing need to acquire a point guard. Derrick Rose was an admirable scorer in 2016-17, but he struggled as a facilitator and defender, and will be an unrestricted free agent this coming summer.

While Monk may not be the facilitator or defender that the Knicks are looking for, he’s the versatile scorer whom the Knicks have long been without.

Monk has a rare combination of elite athleticism and a spectacular 3-point shot. Not only does he have elite end-to-end speed and a 42.0″ max vertical leap, but he ranked No. 21 in the country with 104 3-point field goals made in 2016-17.

Coupled with the scoring instincts that enabled him to dominate games at the collegiate level, Monk has the upside of a perennial All-Star.

Monk may not be a traditional point guard, but he’d be the perfect fit in the triangle offense. He’s outstanding at moving without the ball, which makes him an ideal off-ball threat. He’s just as dangerous from midrange and on the drive.

If the Knicks are going to commit to the triangle offense, then Malik Monk may be the best possible prospect to invest in.

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