In this 2017 NBA Mock Draft, Daily Knicks provides upside comparisons for every Round 1 prospect. Who do the New York Knicks..."/> In this 2017 NBA Mock Draft, Daily Knicks provides upside comparisons for every Round 1 prospect. Who do the New York Knicks..."/>
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2017 NBA Mock Draft: New York Knicks And A Full Round 1

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) moves the ball against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won 76-69. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) moves the ball against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won 76-69. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) reacts after making a basket against the Oregon Ducks in the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) reacts after making a basket against the Oregon Ducks in the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Charlotte Hornets: Justin Jackson, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Small Forward
Age: 22 (3/25/1995)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8.25″, 203 pounds, 6’11”
2016-17 Slash Line: .443/.370/.748
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.0 MPG, 18.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.6 3PM

The Charlotte Hornets are coached by Steve Clifford, who may be the most criminally underrated individual in the NBA. Despite having the typical Charlotte roster—consistent turnover and an absence of a true superstar—he’s made two playoff appearances in four seasons.

As the Hornets look for ways to truly make the leap, the focus should be on finding the missing piece: a second player who can consistently generate their own offense.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist may be the long-term starter at small forward, but Justin Jackson is too grand a talent to pass over. He’s the shot-creating scorer whom the Hornets need, and his improved outside shot would provide necessary balance to MKG.

With both Kidd-Gilchrist and Jackson possessing stretch 4 potential, Clifford could get creative with his rotations and build a sustainably strong starting lineup.

Standing at 6’8″ with a 6’11” wingspan, Jackson has the size and length to finish in traffic and shoot over smaller defenders. He converted 105 3-point field goals in 2016-17 and even showed signs of progress on defense.

As a defending National Champion with two National Championship Game appearances, Jackson is a scorer and a winner. Clifford could mold him into an asset as either a sixth man or starter.

New York Knicks have rumored interest in Jackson, as well.

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