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 12, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) celebrates after cutting down the net following a win over Arkansas Razorbacks during the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 82-65. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) celebrates after cutting down the net following a win over Arkansas Razorbacks during the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 82-65. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Malik Monk, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (2/4/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 197 pounds, 6’6″
2016-17 Slash Line: .450/.397/.822
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.1 MPG, 19.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.7 3PM

Prioritizing fit over talent this early in the draft rarely pays off, but for the Philadelphia 76ers, it’s necessary. Center Joel Embiid looked the part of a future superstar in 2016-17, Dario Saric came on late as a future star at power forward, and Ben Simmons has that same potential as a point forward.

Having established that as true, the best possible fit for the 76ers would be a player who can defend point guards and space the floor at an elite level: Malik Monk.

Due to Simmons’ ability to create for himself and others, the Sixers could play Monk at point guard and alleviate pressure from him as a facilitator. He would still be tasked with creating at a respectable level, but he could be more of a Kyrie Irving type than a ball-dominant creator, a la Chris Paul.

In that scenario, Monk’s explosive athleticism would perfectly complement Simmons in transition, and his outside shooting would fill a crucial void.

Monk ranked No. 21 in the country in 3-point field goals made in 2016-17, and his 3-point shooting projects to translate to the next level. While many can shoot, few couple that proficiency with athleticism that can be placed in the highest percentile of NBA guards.

Monk would be a wonderful fit with the New York Knicks in the triangle offense, but he may be an even better option for a Sixers organization that needs to start building a team instead of just stockpiling talent.

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