New York Knicks: Deep Sleepers To Consider In 2017 NBA Draft

The New York Knicks struck gold in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft with Willy Hernangomez. Who might be this year’s diamond in the rough?

Perhaps the best word to describe the 2017 NBA Draft is, “Deep.” Star potential exists at the top, and when the New York Knicks look further down the board, there will still be an immense amount of talent to evaluate and consider.

Considering the Knicks have a pair of second-round draft picks, it’s safe to assume that the depth of this draft class will continue to be evaluated by Phil Jackson himself.

The pursuit of a franchise cornerstone to pair with Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez will take center stage in the first round. In the second round, however, the Knicks could capitalize on an opportunity that’s been slept upon.

New York is slated to come off the board at No. 44 and No. 58 overall, and both picks could enable Jackson to continue building for the future.

Since 2006, four players who have been drafted at or after pick No. 44 have gone on to become All-Stars or All-NBA honorees. Those players are All-NBA point guards Goran Dragic and Isaiah Thomas, All-NBA center Marc Gasol, and four-time All-Star power forward Paul Millsap.

The question is: who are the deep sleepers whom the New York Knicks should be considering as potential steals in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft?