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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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Feb 19, 2017; Omaha, NE, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) defends against the Georgetown Hoyas at CenturyLink Center Omaha. Creighton defeated Georgetown 87-70. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2017; Omaha, NE, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) defends against the Georgetown Hoyas at CenturyLink Center Omaha. Creighton defeated Georgetown 87-70. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

28. Los Angeles Lakers: Justin Patton, Creighton Bluejays

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Andrew Bogut
Safe Upside Comparison: Gorgui Dieng
Position: Center
Age: 19 (6/14/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’11.25″, 229 pounds, 7’3″
2016-17 Slash Line: .676/.533/.517
2016-17 Season Averages: 25.3 MPG, 12.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.7 ORPG, 1.2 APG, 1.4 BPG, 0.9 SPG

The Los Angeles Lakers have one realistic option at No. 28 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft: draft a center. Lonzo Ball is slated to run point, Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell are at shooting guard, Brandon Ingram has upside at small forward, and Larry Nance and Julius Randle will play the 4.

Ivica Zubac isn’t being overlooked here, but if the Lakers keep this pick, then Creighton Bluejays star Justin Patton would be the wise selection.

Patton is all about size, energy, and agility at this current point in time, but his offensive skill set is evolving. He uses his athleticism to run the floor, and his length to finish inside with supreme confidence and efficiency.

Although his defensive fundamentals will need to improve for this comparison to come to fruition, Patton is reminiscent of a young Andrew Bogut.

The safe comparison is Gorgui Dieng, to whom Patton is almost identical as far as his physical measurements are concerned. Patton also mirrors Dieng’s offensive game with improving range and passing ability, and the potential to be a tremendous defensive player.

Patton will be stationed at the 5, but the comparison to Dieng is made with the knowledge that he carries the ability to provide similar contributions at the position of need.

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