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2017 NBA Mock Draft: New York Knicks and the value of the point guard

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 7, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) controls the ball against the Clemson Tigers 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) controls the ball against the Clemson Tigers during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 14, 2017; Dayton, OH, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward John Collins (20) dunks the ball over Kansas State Wildcats forward D.J. Johnson (4) in the second half in the first four of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2017; Dayton, OH, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward John Collins (20) dunks the ball over Kansas State Wildcats forward D.J. Johnson (4) in the second half in the first four of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Detroit Pistons: John Collins, Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Position: Power Forward
Age: 19 (9/23/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.5″, 225 pounds, 6’11.25″
2016-17 Slash Line: .622/.000/.745
2016-17 Season Averages: 26.6 MPG, 19.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 3.8 ORPG, 1.6 BPG, 0.6 SPG

The Detroit Pistons are a prime candidate to execute a trade here. Detroit clearly needs to find its identity and firmly establish who its franchise players are, but it also needs a veteran’s influence in the locker room—something that could be acquired here.

Instead, the Pistons embrace the value of a lottery pick and take a chance on a player who could help round the team into form: Gonzaga Bulldogs power forward Zach Collins.

Collins is still growing and expanding his game, but his work ethic is one of his strongest traits. He made significant progress between the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, and developed into one of the most effective and productive scorers in the country.

Collins’ average of 19.2 points per game on 62.4 percent shooting from the field is impressive enough, but it’s jaw-dropping when translated to 28.8 points per 40 minutes.

Collins is also an excellent rebounder at 14.8 per 40 minutes, and a respectable shot-blocker at 2.4 per 40. His defensive fundamentals are weak, at best, but the physical tools are in place for him to not only protect the rim, but comfortably defend stretch 4s.

With an improving outside shot and elite athleticism, Collins has legitimate All-Star potential. The New York Knicks may not need him, but he can be a focal point for Detroit.

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