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 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 /

1. Boston Celtics: Markelle Fultz, Washington Huskies

Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (5/29/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4″, 195 pounds, 6’9.75″
2016-17 Slash Line: .476/.413/.649
2016-17 Season Averages: 35.7 MPG, 23.2 PPG, 5.9 APG, 5.7 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 2.1 3PM

The Boston Celtics are entering dangerous territory at No. 1 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. Drafting a point guard would be the wise decision, but it could also be a move that alienates the only current player who can consistently create their own offense: Isaiah Thomas.

Fortunately, the Celtics can simultaneously draft the best player available and potentially salvage a losing situation by taking Markelle Fultz.

Fultz may not have experienced any measure of team success in college, but if any coach can teach him to play within the scheme, it’s Brad Stevens. If any player can convince him to do the same, it’s Thomas—and that goes both ways.

For those unfamiliar, Thomas and Fultz both played for the Washington Huskies. Thomas routinely returns to the Seattle area to mentor younger players, including Fultz.

Per CSNNE.com, Fultz believes he and Thomas can play together (h/t Nicole Yang of Boston.com).

"“Me and Isaiah Thomas would be a great backcourt,” the 18 year old told CSNNE. “I think the opportunity that would be there would be amazing. For him to play off the ball—where I think he’s better at it—or him to play on ball and I can play off the ball, I think the chemistry would be amazing.”"

If Avery Bradley can be introduced to that scenario, then this would be a wonderful fit.

For those unfamiliar, Fultz is a 6’4″ point guard with a muscular frame and a near 6’10” wingspan. He can space the floor with his jump shot, defend multiple positions, work the pick and roll, and finish both at and above the rim.

The New York Knicks have expressed interest in selecting Fultz in the 2017 NBA Draft, but that would likely require a trade up to No. 1.

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