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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 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Frank Jackson (15) drives to the basket against South Carolina Gamecocks guard PJ Dozier (15) in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Frank Jackson (15) drives to the basket against South Carolina Gamecocks guard PJ Dozier (15) in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

25. Orlando Magic: Frank Jackson, Duke Blue Devils

Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (5/4/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3.5″, 202 pounds, 6’7.5″
2016-17 Slash Line: .473/.395/.755
2016-17 Season Averages: 24.9 MPG, 10.9 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.4 3PM

The Orlando Magic selected Duke Blue Devils star Jayson Tatum at No. 6 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. At pick No. 25, the Magic make a run at a guard to complement Tatum in the scoring department, and happen to find themselves with one of his college teammates.

Frank Jackson is rapidly rising up draft boards, and with Orlando no longer needing a big man or small forward, he becomes the best guard available.

Jackson stands at just under 6’4” and 202 pounds with a near 6’8” wingspan and an explosive 42.0” max vertical leap. The 19-year-old projects to match up well against point guards with prototypical size and length, and a level of athleticism that few will be able to defend in isolation.

In addition to recording the second-best max vertical leap at the 2017 NBA Draft Combine, Jackson ranked No. 1 in the shuttle run and No. 5 in the three quarter sprint.

If Jackson can tighten his handle, he should be able to drive the lane and wreak havoc on opposing defenders. He has already developed a versatile ability to finish at the rim, and has a strong enough outside shot for the opposition to keep close to him and thus leave itself vulnerable for driving lanes.

Orlando has a starting point guard in Elfrid Payton, but Jackson could provide the ideal athletic and scoring balance to the current pass-first playmaker.

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