Daily Knicks
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 31
Next
Mar 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball against Louisville Cardinals forward Mangok Mathiang (12) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center.
Mar 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball against Louisville Cardinals forward Mangok Mathiang (12) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center. /

4. Phoenix Suns: Jayson Tatum, Duke Blue Devils

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Carmelo Anthony
Safe Upside Comparison: Cory Maggette
Position: Small Forward
Age: 19 (3/3/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8″, 204 pounds, 6’11”
2016-17 Slash Line: .452/.342/.849
2016-17 Season Averages: 33.3 MPG, 16.8 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 1.4 3PM

The Phoenix Suns have a promising young scorer in T.J. Warren, but this is a turning point in the franchise’s history. It can either find the player whom it believes can be a franchise point guard or select a small forward whom some believe is the best player available.

This comes down to De’Aaron Fox and Jayson Tatum, with the latter securing the selection because of his value along the wings.

Tatum’s ambitious upside comparison is New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, to whom he bears a striking resemblance. Like Anthony, Tatum predicates his game on being able to convert from midrange against any caliber of defender.

From there, Tatum taps into the other skills he possesses, including his improving 3-point range, underrated passing ability, and tenacity down low.

A more realistic comparison for Tatum may be Corre Maggette, who scored at a high level without establishing an elite 3-point shot. Tatum isn’t the athlete that Maggette was, but his impact on the game could be similar as a featured scoring option.

In contrast to Anthony and Maggette, however, Tatum displayed an elusive willingness to defend during his freshman season—a trait that could elevate his status.

Home/Knicks Draft