Round 2, Pick 58: Deonte Burton, Iowa State Cyclones
Position: Small Forward
Age: 23 (1/31/1994)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4.75″, 266 pounds, 6’11.5″
2016-17 Slash Line: .456/.375/.675
201-17 Season Averages: 29.5 MPG, 15.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.2 3PM
The New York Knicks recently hosted Iowa State Cyclones small forward Deonte Burton for a pre-draft workout. Burton is generally projected as an undrafted free agent, but the workout displayed New York’s interest in his two-way versatility.
A fair upside comparison for Burton would be P.J. Tucker, whom Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek coached during his tenure with the Phoenix Suns.
Burton is undersized for a small forward at just under 6’5″, but he has a near 7’0″ wingspan and a powerful frame. His upper body strength is comparable to that of an NBA player, which further facilitates the Tucker comparison.
It’s on the offensive end of the floor, however, that Burton receives an even more intriguing upside comparison: Jae Crowder.
Like Crowder, Burton can go to the post, shoot from midrange, space the floor from beyond the arc, and drive the lane. He isn’t necessarily elite in any one regard, but he’s skilled enough to hold his defensive opposition accountable.
Considering Phil Jackson has a well-documented interest in Crowder, it’s fair to believe that Burton will pique his interest to some degree.