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 21, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) blocks a shot by Penn State Nittany Lions guard Tony Carr (10) during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Purdue defeated Penn State 74-70. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) blocks a shot by Penn State Nittany Lions guard Tony Carr (10) during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Purdue defeated Penn State 74-70. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

30. Utah Jazz: Caleb Swanigan, Purdue Boilermakers

Position: Power Forward
Age: 20 (4/18/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8.5″, 246 pounds, 7’3″
2016-17 Slash Line: .527/.447/.781
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.5 MPG, 18.5 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 2.7 ORPG, 3.1 APG, 0.8 BPG, 1.1 3PM

It’s getting to the point that the Utah Jazz will need to evaluate Derrick Favors’ future with the organization. Favors appeared to be on the brink of a leap to stardom, but he regressed severely in 2016-17 and has struggled to remain healthy over the past two seasons.

If the Jazz are going to prepare for a future that may not include Favors, then drafting a power forward with the second first-round draft pick would be wise.

With Rudy Gobert at center, the key for Utah at No. 30 will be finding a power forward who can space the floor. That created a two-way race for the final spot between Purdue Boilermakers big man Caleb Swanigan and Michigan Wolverines power forward D.J. Wilson.

Wilson is generally regarded as the more athletic of the two, while Swanigan is the better passer and the more physically dominant athlete.

Swanigan has his issues, but he’s a lethal midrange shooter with 3-point range and tremendous passing ability from the high post. He’s not much of a defender, but he’s an outstanding rebounder with a work ethic worth investing in.

Swanigan isn’t regarded as a first-round prospect by all, but he’s high on Daily Knicks’ big board and worthy of a first-round grade.

Must Read: An ambitious and optimistic 2017 NBA Mock Draft

The New York Knicks and the rest of the NBA are about to experience drastic changes.

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