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 4, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Lydon (20) shoots the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half at the Carrier Dome. The Orange won 66-62. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Lydon (20) shoots the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half at the Carrier Dome. The Orange won 66-62. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tyler Lydon, Syracuse Orange

Position: Forward
Age: 21 (4/9/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.5″, 215 pounds, 7’0″
2016-17 Slash Line: .473/.395/.836
2016-17 Season Averages: 36.1 MPG, 13.2 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.3 ORPG, 2.1 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.4 3PM

The Oklahoma City Thunder are in desperate need of a forward who can provide a versatile impact on the offensive end of the floor. Russell Westbrook is a one-man wrecking ball in the regular season, but Oklahoma City must alleviate as much pressure as possible.

With Andre Roberson and Jerami Grant specializing as defenders with minimal offensive value, Lydon could provide the perfect balance as a hybrid forward.

Lydon is an excellent 3-point shooter, but that’s only a small portion of what it is that makes him so intriguing. He can put the ball on the floor, get out in the open court in transition, and crash the offensive glass with vigor and tenacity.

Lydon is also a skilled passer who can work from the high post or perform well within a motion offense. That completes the offensive versatility that Westbrook would benefit from working with.

Defensively, Lydon rebounds at a respectable level and is a capable playmaker. He can block shots and play the passing lanes at a somewhat acceptable level and has proven willing to provide a consistent level of effort within the scheme.

The New York Knicks would benefit greatly from acquiring Lydon on draft night, but it’s the Thunder that cash in on this golden opportunity.

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