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
6 of 31
Next
Mar 25, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) goes up for a shot as Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell (1) defends during the second half in the finals of the Midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Oregon defeated Kansas 74-60. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) goes up for a shot as Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell (1) defends during the second half in the finals of the Midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Oregon defeated Kansas 74-60. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Sacramento Kings: Josh Jackson, Kansas Jayhawks

Position: Small Forward
Age: 20 (2/10/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8″, 203 pounds, 6’9.75″
2016-17 Slash Line: .513/.378/.566
2016-17 Season Averages: 30.8 MPG, 16.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 1.0 3PM

Although a point guard may be at the top of the list of priorities, the Sacramento Kings simply need talent. Thus, while making a small reach for Dennis Smith Jr. or Frank Ntilikina could make sense, there should be a best player available approach.

With a second lottery pick at No. 10, the Kings gamble on potentially missing out on a point guard by taking the best player available: Josh Jackson.

Assuming he can play small forward in the NBA, Jackson would be the perfect addition for Sacramento. While Buddy Hield is a sharpshooter who struggles on defense and isn’t afraid to gun, Jackson is a potential lockdown defender who struggles to shoot.

Jackson has an outstanding work ethic, as does Hield, and both players could evolve into franchise cornerstones with Skal Labissiere and Willie Cauley-Stein blocking shots down low.

It’s worth noting that Jackson made nine 3-point field goals in his first 18 appearances and 25 in his final 17. That’s a testament to just how hard he’s willing to work, as well as how naturally gifted he truly is.

Considering Jackson may be the best player in this draft class, the Kings would be getting a steal at No. 5. If the New York Knicks could only be so lucky.

Home/Knicks Draft