Knicks Rumors: New York considering Luke Kennard at No. 8 in 2017 NBA Draft
Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks are reportedly considering Luke Kennard as an option at No. 8 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.
The New York Knicks are weighing any and every option available to them in the 2017 NBA Draft. Thus, while fans and analysts may be searching for answers in the workouts that New York is hosting, nothing definitive will be revealed until the night of the annual selection process.
With mere days remaining until the 2017 NBA Draft, however, it appears as though the Knicks are eyeing a surprising prospect at No. 8 overall.
Phil Jackson has recently attended workouts for Malik Monk of the Kentucky Wildcats and Dennis Smith Jr. of the North Carolina State Wolfpack. Both are regarded as viable options for the Knicks at No. 8, but they may not be the top targets.
According to Chad Ford of ESPN Insider, the Knicks are, “Seriously considering,” Duke Blue Devils star Luke Kennard at No. 8 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.
"Right now it looks like the Pistons at No. 12 are Kennard’s floor. But he could go higher. The Knicks, according to a team source, are seriously considering taking him at No. 8."
This is a rather surprising development, but it’s consistent with New York’s workout schedule.
Knicks have a workout scheduled with Luke Kennard, per sources w/knowledge of club's workout schedule: https://t.co/KseTCkLOOs
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 9, 2017
With the 2017 NBA Draft mere days away, any and every rumor you hear should be taken with a grain of salt. Most are smoke screens or misdirections intended to convince competing general managers to allow a player they’re on the fence about slide to a team with more concrete interest.
NBA Draft expert Fran Fraschilla explained exactly that in a recent tweet.
The lying has begun. Do not believe a word from "sources" about which NBA teams like what players. It's all misdirection at this point.
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) June 12, 2017
Thus, while it may be possible that the Knicks are interested in drafting Kennard at No. 8 overall, a rumor is far from a guarantee.
It’s also worth noting that Jackson and the Knicks are attempting to acquire a second first-round draft pick, which could be utilized to select Kennard.
Possible as that all may be, Kennard wouldn’t be the furthest of reaches at No. 8 overall. A shooting guard with ideal size and an outstanding 3-point shot, Kennard is ranked as the No. 13 overall prospect by DraftExpress and the No. 14 overall prospect by Ford.
Kennard is not only sensational in catch and shoot situations, but efficient in creating off the bounce and getting to his spots from midrange.
Must Read: Five reasons to consider drafting Luke Kennard
No rumor should be believed at face value, but the New York Knicks appear to have heightened interest in Luke Kennard.