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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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Dec 7, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) during the first half against the Xavier Musketeers at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) during the first half against the Xavier Musketeers at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

24. Utah Jazz: Derrick White, Colorado Buffaloes

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Derek Harper
Safe Upside Comparison: Alec Burks
Position: Guard
Age: 22 (7/2/1994)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4.5″, 190 pounds, 6’7.5″
2016-17 Slash Line: .507/.396/.813
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.8 MPG, 18.1 PPG, 4.4 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.7 3PM

The Utah Jazz are dangerously close to having to admit that Dante Exum isn’t the future at point guard. Utah is also close to needing to accept the reality that guard Alex Burks is too much of an injury risk to invest high expectations in.

A long-term answer to both of those issues is the potential selection of Colorado Buffaloes combo guard Derrick White at No. 24 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.

A fair comparison for White may actually be Burks, and not just because of their roots as fellow former Buffaloes stars. Both are capable of playing with and without the ball, and both can create for themselves and others in isolation.

White appears to be the better shooter and defensive player, while Burks has the slight edge in his ability to drive the lane with consistency.

The more ambitious comparison for White is former Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks playmaker Derek Harper. He has the court vision to run point, the scoring instincts to play the 2, and the defensive potential to create turnovers in front of an elite interior.

If White is still on the board at No. 24 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, then the Utah Jazz should select him—and the Knicks should consider trading for him.

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