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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 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All American guard Terrance Ferguson (6) poses for photos on portrait day at the Marriott Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All American guard Terrance Ferguson (6) poses for photos on portrait day at the Marriott Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Indiana Pacers: Terrance Ferguson, Adelaide 36ers

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 19 (5/17/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7″, 184 pounds, 6’8.75″
2016-17 Slash Line: .381/.313/.600
2016-17 Season Averages: 15.2 MPG, 4.6 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.7 3PM

The Indiana Pacers have a three-time All-NBA honoree in Paul George and a promising young big man in Myles Turner. That’s an excellent duo to build around, but Indiana will only make the leap in the modern NBA if it shores up the talent in the backcourt.

It may not provide an immediate fix, but the Pacers can find a guard with elite size and athleticism at No. 18 overall in the enigmatic and explosive Terrance Ferguson.

Ferguson’s primary appeal is being a 6’7” shooting guard with a near 6’9” wingspan and an 8’7” standing reach. He’s also an explosive in-game athlete who spent the past year cutting his teeth in the ruggedly physical and competitive NBL in Australia.

Having already been exposed to a physical brand of professional basketball, Ferguson should be ready to take coaching on how to defend and drive in the NBA.

From a skill perspective, Ferguson has a solid outside shot and the athleticism to break out and finish in transition. He’s still in the process of stabilizing his mechanics and finding his identity on offense, but he has the tools to excel early as an off-ball scorer and on-ball defender.

The Pacers need to take chances on prospects with high ceilings, and Ferguson certainly fits the bill. He could also be a player whom the New York Knicks attempt to trade for.

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