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Knicks Rumors: Five reasons to select Edmond Sumner in 2017 NBA Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Xavier Musketeers guard Edmond Sumner (4) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Eastern Washington Eagles at the Cintas Center. Xavier won 85-56. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Xavier Musketeers guard Edmond Sumner (4) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Eastern Washington Eagles at the Cintas Center. Xavier won 85-56. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 16, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Xavier Musketeers guard Edmond Sumner (4) dunks during the second half against the Creighton Bluejays at the Cintas Center. The Bluejays won 72-67. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Xavier Musketeers guard Edmond Sumner (4) dunks during the second half against the Creighton Bluejays at the Cintas Center. The Bluejays won 72-67. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Physical Profile

This could be No. 1, but it only makes sense to start here.

Edmond Sumner tore his ACL in late January, and could thus miss an extended period of time during the 2017-18 NBA season. It’s possible that the team that drafts him will rest him for the entirety of 2017-18 and responsibly help him return to his peak level of physical ability.

If the New York Knicks succeed in doing so, they’d be securing a roster spot for one of the most alluring athletes one can find at the point guard position.

At the 2017 NBA Draft Combine, Sumner measured at 6’6″ with a 176-pound frame—a number that’s likely to increase once he can put more pressure on his knee. He also boasts a 6’9″ wingspan and an 8’6.5″ standing reach.

Those are not only elite physical gifts for a point guard, but ideal measurements for an NBA shooting guard.

The difference between Sumner and most of the 6’6″ point guards we’ve seen before is how long his strides are. While some try to play smaller than they are, Sumner wholeheartedly embraces the size advantage he has by taking long strides and weaving through defenses.

Just watch Sumner take off from outside the restricted area and effortlessly finish above the rim:

Sumner has powerfully long strides in the open court, a freakish natural bounce, and elite size and length for the point guard position.

Even if some of his athleticism is lost, his size and length remain the same.

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