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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 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts during the second half against the USC Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts during the second half against the USC Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

23. Toronto Raptors: Semi Ojeleye, Toronto Raptors

Position: Small Forward
Age: 22 (12/5/1994)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6.75″, 241 pounds, 6’9.75″
2016-17 Slash Line: .487/.424/.785
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.1 MPG, 19.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 2.1 3PM

Mere weeks ago, this would have been an egregious reach based on the little that was known about Semi Ojeleye’s game. He’s rapidly rising up draft boards, however, and there may not be a better team for him to join than the Toronto Raptors at No. 23 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Toronto values forwards who can space the floor, and there may not be a better pair of mentors for Ojeleye to follow than small forward DeMarre Carroll or power forward Patrick Patterson.

Whether or not Kyle Lowry remains in Toronto, Ojeleye could be an impact player for the Raptors. His wingspan (6’9.75”) isn’t quite long enough to be a traditional power forward, but he’s an explosive athlete with a game that’s based out of the mid-post area.

Dwane Casey can utilize Ojeleye for his athleticism in transition and 3-point shooting in the half court, as well as his defensive versatility to improve the effectiveness of his sets.

Defensively, Ojeleye has the athleticism to contest jump shots and the powerful build to body up interior-based players. It’s fair to question how effective he can be against power forwards at 6’7” with a 6’10” wingspan, but he could essentially be a more cost-efficient version of P.J. Tucker.

I’m still not entirely sold on how good of an NBA player Ojeleye can be, but the New York Knicks could view him as an option via a trade.

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