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New York Knicks: Team-specific 2017 NBA Mock Draft with trades 1.0

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 7, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives against Clemson Tigers forward Elijah Thomas (14) and Clemson Tigers guard Marcquise Reed (2) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives against Clemson Tigers forward Elijah Thomas (14) and Clemson Tigers guard Marcquise Reed (2) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Round 2, Pick 58: Kostja Mushidi, Mega Vizura

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 18 (6/18/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 210 pounds, 7’0.75″
2016-17 Slash Line: .395/.328/.759
2016-17 Season Averages: 23.8 MPG, 9.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.8 3PM

At this stage of the 2017 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks can take a chance on the best player available. Conveniently, the player who qualifies as such is shooting guard Kostja Mushidi, who would likely spend the 2017-18 season overseas as a draft-and-stash prospect.

Not only would Mushidi receive another season to develop in Europe, but he could negotiate a more lucrative contract during the summer of 2018.

On the Knicks’ side of things, after selecting two 6’3″ guards in the first round, it makes sense to select a shooting guard with prototypical size and length in Round 2—especially if he comes over right away.

Mushidi has elite physical gifts for a 2-guard at 6’5″ and 210 pounds with a wingspan that nearly spans 7’1″ and an 8’8.25″ standing reach. The size and overall frame is intriguing enough, but Mushidi has the length and reach to be a lockdown defender.

Knowing that to be true, New York could conceivably get away with a small-ball lineup featuring Dennis Smith Jr., Donovan Mitchell, Mushidi, Kristaps Porzingis, and Willy Hernangomez.

Offensively, Mushidi shows no fear as a shooter, and has the range to support the approach. Improved shot selection will be a point of emphasis moving forward, but the skill set is present and the upside is intriguing enough to call this a steal of a selection.

Whether or not Mitchell is selected in the first round, the Knicks should give serious consideration to drafting Mushidi at either No. 44 or No. 58 overall.

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