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

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Feb 1, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) dribbles around Syracuse Orange forward Taurean Thompson (12) during the second half at PNC Arena. Syracuse won 100-93 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

8. New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr., North Carolina State Wolfpack

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Damian Lillard
Safe Upside Comparison: Baron Davis
Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (11/25/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 195 pounds, 6’3″
2016-17 Slash Line: .455/.359/.715
2016-17 SeasonAverages: 34.8 MPG, 18.1 PPG, 6.2 APG, 4.6 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 1.7 3PM

The North Carolina State Wolfpack weren’t especially good, but that shouldn’t be held against point guard Dennis Smith Jr. He elevated N.C. State to the highest level he could, as evidenced by the unforgettable victory over Duke.

An elite slasher who can attack a collapsed defense and still finish with efficiency, Smith is the dynamic scorer whom the New York Knicks need.

Smith’s ultimate upside comparison could be Russell Westbrook because of the triple-doubles, but a better option may be Damian Lillard. Like Lillard, Smith plays a fearless style, can pour in points from all over the floor, and is an explosive option.

The advantage that Smith has over Lillard, as well as the reason for the comparison to Westbrook, is that he’s shown signs of becoming an elite facilitator.

A less ambitious upside comparison is somewhere between Baron Davis and Steve Francis. Similar to those stars of the 2000s, Smith can attack the teeth of a defense, facilitate the offense, and even annihilate an opposing defender from midrange.

The Knicks need a player who can score and facilitate, and while Smith’s defense may be erratic, he has the tools for success at the next level.

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