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New York Knicks: Full 2017 NBA Mock Draft With Upside Comparisons

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 21, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives to the basket as Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Brandon Childress (0) defends during the second half at PNC Arena. The Demon Deacons won 93-88. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives to the basket as Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Brandon Childress (0) defends during the second half at PNC Arena. The Demon Deacons won 93-88. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) guards Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) during the first half at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) guards Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) during the first half at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Boston Celtics: Markelle Fultz, Washington Huskies

Ultimate Upside Comparison: James Harden
Safe Upside Comparison: Richie Guerin
Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (5/29/1988)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4″, 195 pounds, 6’9.75″
2016-17 Slash Line: .476/.413/.649
2016-17 Season Averages: 35.7 MPG, 23.2 PPG, 5.9 APG, 5.7 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 2.1 3PM

Whether or not you believe Markelle Fultz is better than Lonzo Ball, this is the pick that the Boston Celtics need to make. Ball and his father have made it abundantly clear that they see a future with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Boston can’t afford to gamble on a player who may not want to be there.

Drafting a player at Isaiah Thomas’ position will be complicated enough, and adding the potential headache of LaVar Ball simply wouldn’t be worth it.

Fortunately, Fultz ambitiously compares to Houston Rockets superstar James Harden. He has a powerful frame and prototypical size for the point guard position, as well as the unique combination of potentially elite scoring and facilitating ability.

What may work out for Boston is that Fultz has shown a willingness to defend in big games, and Brad Stevens is the perfect coach to ensure that happens every time out.

A safer upside comparison for Fultz would be legendary New York Knicks guard Richie Guerin. Guerin posted unbelievable statistics, but like Fultz in college, he struggled to help his team win—see: one postseason appearance in seven full seasons in New York.

Fultz has all of the tools to be a special player, but the difference between superstardom and statistical wizardry will be Fultz’s development into a leader.

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