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 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) shoots over North Carolina Tar Heels forward Isaiah Hicks (4) in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) shoots over North Carolina Tar Heels forward Isaiah Hicks (4) in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Detroit Pistons: Zach Collins, Gonzaga Bulldogs

Position: Power Forward
Age: 19 (11/18/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 232 pounds, 7’1″
2016-17 Slash Line: .652/.476/.743
2016-17 Season Averages: 17.2 MPG, 10.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.7 ORPG, 1.8 BPG

The Detroit Pistons have a quality point guard in Reggie Jackson and a potential franchise player in center Andre Drummond. Detroit also has two-way players at shooting guard and power forward in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Marcus Morris, and an intriguing small forward in Tobias Harris.

That talent wasn’t enough for Detroit to reach the 2017 NBA Playoffs, however, and that’s why the approach is to find the best player available.

Gonzaga Bulldogs power forward Zach Collins has been rising up draft boards due to his growing star potential. He’s a 7’0″ and 232-pound big man with a 7’1″ wingspan, plus athleticism, and a well-rounded skill set.

Collins proved to be an outstanding shot-blocker in college, as well as a well-rounded offensive player with the ceiling of an All-Star big.

Collins’ season averages translated to 23.2 points, 13.6 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 4.1 blocks, 1.1 steals, and 0.6 3-point field goals made per 40 minutes. That’s indicative of just how balanced a game he already possesses, as well as how high his ceiling is.

If Stan Van Gundy is looking to change the culture, then adding a fierce and well-rounded competitor like Collins could be a massive step towards maximizing Drummond’s potential.

If the New York Knicks Knicks believe Kristaps Porzingis’ future is at center, then Collins could make sense for them, as well.

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