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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Mar 10, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) reacts after scoring against Xavier Musketeers during the Big East Conference Tournament Semifinals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) reacts after scoring against Xavier Musketeers during the Big East Conference Tournament Semifinals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

28. Los Angeles Lakers: Justin Patton, Creighton Bluejays

Position: Center
Age: 19 (6/14/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’11.25″, 229 pounds, 7’3″
2016-17 Slash Line: .676/.533/.517
2016-17 Season Averages: 25.3 MPG, 12.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.7 ORPG, 1.2 APG, 1.4 BPG, 0.9 SPG

The Los Angeles Lakers drafted a point guard, Lonzo Ball, to help facilitate the growth of the players who are already in place. That statement alone acknowledges how talented Los Angeles’ roster is, albeit without a sense of identity.

With Ball, Jordan Clarkson, and D’Angelo Russell at guard, and Brandon Ingram, Larry Nance, and Julius Randle at forward, the remaining void can be found at center.

Ivica Zubac has upside, but the best player on the board at this current juncture is Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton. He stands at just over 6’11” with a 7’3″ wingspan, a 9’3.5″ standing reach, and an advanced understanding of the game.

Even at that size, he has exceptional agility, intriguing end-to-end speed, and the leaping ability to sky above the rim for put-backs and emphatic blocks on slashing scorers.

In addition to having sensational physical gifts, Patton is a skilled player on offense and an improving defensive force. He may need time to develop into the player he’s capable of becoming, but the ceiling is high and Los Angeles would be silly to ignore that.

Patton has an outside chance at being a lottery pick, but him falling to No. 28 is merely a product of unideal circumstances as a center in a modern era NBA Draft.

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