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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Jan 24, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward John Collins (20) shoots the ball as Syracuse Orange forward Taurean Thompson (12) defends during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward John Collins (20) shoots the ball as Syracuse Orange forward Taurean Thompson (12) defends during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Indiana Pacers: John Collins, Wake Forest Demon Dacons

Position: Power Forward
Age: 19 (9/23/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.5″, 225 pounds, 6’11.25″
2016-17 Slash Line: .622/.000/.745
2016-17 Season Averages: 26.6 MPG, 19.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 3.8 ORPG, 1.6 BPG, 0.6 SPG

The Indiana Pacers have a borderline superstar in Paul George and a promising young big man in Myles Turner. The ideal move here would be to find a franchise point guard, but if the front office believes Jeff Teague is that guy, the draft could yield different results.

Although a perimeter target could be ideal here, the Pacers aim high with one of the most promising big men in this draft class: John Collins.

Collins has All-Star potential as an explosive athlete with an NBA-ready frame at just under 6’10” with a near 7’0″ wingspan and a strong core. He can jump out of the gym, but the truly impressive aspect of his game is how he finishes through traffic.

With Turner expanding his range at center, Collins could be perfect the interior complement as an elite rebounder—14.8 per 40 minutes—who can work the pick and roll.

Beyond being athletic and physical, Collins displays intriguing versatility as a scorer. He can finish above the rim, use the glass to finish, occasionally stroke it from midrange, and even play from the post with a versatile skill set—skills that added up to 28.8 points per 40 minutes in 2016-17.

Indiana could go the safe route with Luke Kennard, but it would be wise to gamble on a prospect with All-Star potential in Collins.

The New York Knicks would be right to be intrigued by this explosive 4.

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