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

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Jan 4, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) reacts after a basket during the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at PNC Arena. The Wolfpack won 104-78. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

8. New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr., North Carolina State Wolfpack

Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (11/25/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 195 pounds, 6’3″
2016-17 Slash Line: .455/.359/.715
2016-17 SeasonAverages: 34.8 MPG, 18.1 PPG, 6.2 APG, 4.6 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 1.7 3PM

All three of the point guards whom the New York Knicks are reportedly interested in are available in this scenario. Kentucky Wildcats scorer Malik Monk, Strasbourg defensive ace Frank Ntilikina, and North Carolina State Wolfpack playmaker Dennis Smith Jr. will all be options in this scenario.

Although the general theory is that Monk is the best player available, the highest player on the Daily Knicks big board is actually Smith—and that makes him the selection.

There’s no hyperbole in the statement that Smith Jr. has a chance to become a legitimate NBA superstar. His ceiling is comparable to that of Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard in that he combines explosive athleticism with a well-rounded skill set as a scorer.

Smith is an outstanding slasher with a smooth midrange game and a respectable 3-point shot—a rare combination for any position, let alone point guard.

While Lillard may be the superior shooter, Smith has the edge as a facilitator and, perhaps, a penetrator. He received minimal spacing at North Carolina State, yet he was one of the most effective slashers in the country due to his fearlessness when entering the paint and withstanding contact.

At No. 8 overall, there’s every reason to believe that Smith could develop into the player whom the Knicks hoped Derrick Rose would be in 2016-17.

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