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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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Mar 19, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) shoots the basketball against Cincinnati Bearcats forward Kyle Washington (24, left) during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) shoots the basketball against Cincinnati Bearcats forward Kyle Washington (24, left) during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball, UCLA Bruins

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Jason Kidd
Safe Upside Comparison: Ricky Rubio
Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (10/27/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6″, 190 pounds, 6’7″
2016-17 Slash Line: .551/.412/.673
2016-17 Season Averages: 35.1 MPG, 14.6 PPG, 7.6 APG, 6.0 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 2.2 3PM

The Los Angeles Lakers have an abundance of intriguing young players and no identity. Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell are quality playmakers, Brandon Ingram has star potential at the 3-spot, and Larry Nance, Julius Randle, and Ivica Zubac are all alluring big men.

With that much talent on the roster, the most rational approach to the 2017 NBA Draft would be to select a facilitator who can help said players find their identity.

Lonzo Ball’s ultimate upside comparison is clearly ambitious, but it’s been prevalent throughout his basketball career: Jason Kidd. Ball has generational court vision and a well-rounded game that enables him to contribute in virtually every way imaginable.

It’s impossible to guarantee that Ball will play at Kidd’s level, but he’s one of the most dynamic playmakers in NBA Draft history.

A safer upside comparison would be Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio. Like Rubio, Ball is a gifted playmaker with the foundation for defensive brilliance and erratic shooting form that may hinder his ability to convert with efficiency.

The New York Knicks may not be in the running for Lonzo Ball, but whichever team ends up drafting him projects to be better on the court.

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