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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Feb 13, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives the ball past Syracuse Orange guard Tyus Battle (25) during the first half of a game at the Carrier Dome. Louisville won in overtime 72-72. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives the ball past Syracuse Orange guard Tyus Battle (25) during the first half of a game at the Carrier Dome. Louisville won in overtime 72-72. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

16. Chicago Bulls: Donovan Mitchell, Louisville Cardinals

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 20 (9/7/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 211 pounds, 6’10”
2016-17 Slash Line: .408/.354/.806
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.3 MPG, 15.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2.1 SPG, 2.4 3PM

The Chicago Bulls have a franchise player in small forward Jimmy Butler and an above-average center in Robin Lopez. Beyond that duo, however, there’s a desperate need for players who have the talent or upside of full-time starters.

Donovan Mitchell could conceivably come off the board in the lottery, but the Bulls would be wise to give him a chance at No. 16 overall.

Mitchell may stand at 6’3″, but he’s 210 pounds with a 6’10” wingspan and genuinely elite athleticism. He recorded a 40.5″ max vertical leap at the 2017 NBA Draft Combine and ran the three-quarter sprint—a measurement of end-to-end speed—in 3.01 seconds.

Not only was that the fastest time of any player in the 2017 NBA Draft, but it’s faster than the marks recorded by the likes of Derrick Rose, John Wall, and Russell Westbrook.

On the court, Mitchell is a strong 3-point shooter who can penetrate off the bounce and break out in transition. He’s also a Rick Pitino product, which means he’s been coached well on the defensive end of the floor.

There’s no possible way to guarantee he’ll realize his potential, but Mitchell’s best upside comparison may be Boston Celtics defensive ace Avery Bradley.

Mitchell could be an option for the New York Knicks if Phil Jackson acts upon his rumored interest in acquiring a second first-round draft pick.

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