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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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Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) is defended by Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jordan Mathews (4) in the second half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) is defended by Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jordan Mathews (4) in the second half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Miami Heat: Justin Jackson, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Small Forward
Age: 22 (3/25/1995)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8.25″, 203 pounds, 6’11”
2016-17 Slash Line: .443/.370/.748
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.0 MPG, 18.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.6 3PM

The Miami Heat have an All-NBA point guard in Goran Dragic and a physically dominant center in Hassan Whiteside. Beyond that duo, however, the Heat have been plugging players in and trusting effort and tenacity to overwhelm talent and efficiency on both ends of the floor.

If the Heat are going to make the most of the 2017 NBA Draft, then the optimal approach would be to select the best player available—and Justin Jackson checks that box.

This selection assumes that either he or Justise Winslow can play shooting guard, but Jackson fits Miami’s culture. The name of Jackson’s game is shooting and defense, and at 6’8” with a 6’11” wingspan, he has the physical tools to overwhelm opponents in both regards.

Under head coach Erik Spoelstra, that willingness to defend and proficiency in spacing the floor should secure Jackson early reps and an opportunity to earn the full-time starting role at small forward.

For Miami, having a small forward who can consistently space the floor would enable both Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside to operate more efficiently. Jackson was a subpar shooter early in his career, but drained 105 3-point field goals on 37.0 percent shooting in 2016-17.

Sustainability along the perimeter is the key for any team, and the Miami Heat can benefit from selecting Jackson, whom the New York Knicks recently worked out.

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