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2017 NBA Mock Draft: New York Knicks Embrace The Sleepers

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 10, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) celebrates during the second half of the game against the Duke Blue Devils at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) celebrates during the second half of the game against the Duke Blue Devils at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 11, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Georgetown Hoyas guard L.J. Peak (0) dribbles the ball past Marquette Golden Eagles guard Haanif Cheatham (25) in the second half at Verizon Center. The Hoyas won 80-62. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Georgetown Hoyas guard L.J. Peak (0) dribbles the ball past Marquette Golden Eagles guard Haanif Cheatham (25) in the second half at Verizon Center. The Hoyas won 80-62. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2, Pick 58: L.J. Peak, Georgetown Hoyas

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 21 (2/2/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4.5″, 212 pounds, 6’9.5″
2016-17 Slash Line: .481/.327/.796
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.8 MPG, 16.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.0 3PM

It’s readily acknowledged that L.J. Peak doesn’t have a strong enough jump shot to provide consistent offensive contributions in the NBA. He shot 40.9 percent from beyond the arc as a sophomore, but regressed as a junior and struggled as a freshman.

True as that may be, Peak’s recent interview with Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype revealed why it is that the New York Knicks should consider him at both No. 44 and No. 58 overall: defense.

"“I want to guard the best player every night and make it really tough for him to score,” Peak said. “I’m going to be following him everywhere he goes. And I’m going to be playing the passing lanes too.”"

Peak’s play on the defensive end of the floor supports what he claims to be his primary strength as a player.

If you’re not sold on a shooting guard with a near 6’10” wingspan and a willingness to defend, then Peak’s offensive versatility should bring you around. He’s a pick and roll specialist who both facilitates and scores off of the omnipresent play.

Assuming Jeff Hornacek instructs the Knicks to run the pick and roll with more consistency, having a second guard to run the play would be of great value.

Furthermore, Peak is one of the best slashers in this draft class. Not only is he efficient on the drive, but he shows no qualms about finishing in traffic or taking a bump, as evidenced by his flurry of finishing maneuvers and 7.3 free throw attempts per 40 minutes.

The focus may be set on finding shooters, but Peak has the ceiling of a high-level defender and quality slasher, as well as the work ethic to develop his jump shot.

The Knicks should have Peak on the radar.

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