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..."/>
Daily Knicks
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
23 of 31
Next
Feb 22, 2017; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) controls the ball as Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell (1) defends during the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2017; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) controls the ball as Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell (1) defends during the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

22. Brooklyn Nets: Ivan Rabb, California Golden Bears

Position: Power Forward
Age: 20 (2/4/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 220 pounds, 7’1.5″
2016-17 Slash Line: .484/.400/.663
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.6 MPG, 14.0 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.0 ORPG, 1.5 APG, 1.0 BPG, 0.7 SPG

This could be perceived as a bit of a reach, but the Brooklyn Nets need to swing for the fences during the 2017 NBA Draft. Brooklyn hasn’t quite salvaged the mess created by Billy King, but it will have two first-round draft picks to work with.

In order to maximize the potential of this draft class, the Nets must balance a methodical approach with a willingness to take risks.

Ivan Rabb plays an old school game, but he’s exactly what the Nets need at the power forward position. He’s actively worked to polish his fundamentals, and he’s become more relentless in the way he embraces physicality along the interior.

That’s helped Rabb become one of the best post players in this draft class, and he utilizes those skills to get to the rim—not fade away from it.

Rabb knows how to angle his body to turn the corner on an opponent and get into the paint for a finish. While there, he can pull out any number of finishes, primarily due to his mature appreciation of the value of the glass.

Throw in Rabb’s athleticism and borderline elite rebounding ability, and he could be the ideal complement to a now 3-point shooting Brook Lopez.

Home/Knicks Draft