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 11, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) slaps the floor as he gets the crowd into the game in the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) slaps the floor as he gets the crowd into the game in the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

19. Atlanta Hawks: Luke Kennard, Duke Blue Devils

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 20 (6/24/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5.5″, 196 pounds, 6’5.25″
2016-17 Slash Line: .489/.438/.856
2016-17 Season Averages: 35.5 MPG, 19.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.4 3PM

The Atlanta Hawks are at their best with a shooter who can work off of screens and space the floor with a reliable 3-point shot. In the months since the decision to trade Kyle Korver, however, the Hawks have struggled to find an ideal replacement.

Although some may question how high his ceiling is, it stands to reason that Duke Blue Devils star Luke Kennard could be the ideal replacement to Korver.

Kennard converted 55 3-point field goals as a freshman, but shot just 32.0 percent from distance as he adjusted to a faster pace of play. As a sophomore, he upped those numbers to 88 3-point field goals made on 43.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

Kennard may not offer much on defense, but he’s an outstanding shooter who stands at just under 6’6″ and projects to translate well to the next level.

Beyond his shooting ability, Kennard has displayed a proficiency as a facilitator who can alleviate pressure from a point guard. He’s also a capable finisher on the drive who seems to have a strong understanding of the game.

The New York Knicks could be in the market for a shooter like Kennard, but in this go-round, it’s the Atlanta Hawks who potentially find a diamond in the rough.

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