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New York Knicks: Non-lottery point guards to consider in 2017 NBA Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) drives to the basket as Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) defends during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) drives to the basket as Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) defends during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) during the first half against the Xavier Musketeers at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) during the first half against the Xavier Musketeers at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Derrick White, Colorado Buffaloes

Projection: Late First Round
Upside Comparison: Derek Harper
Age: 22 (7/2/1994)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4.5″, 190 pounds, 6’7.5″
2016-17 Slash Line: .507/.396/.813
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.8 MPG, 18.1 PPG, 4.4 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.7 3PM

Derrick White is the second of two prospects on this list who has All-Star potential that’s worth immediately tapping into. Others on the list have alluring upside, but White joins Jawun Evans as the potential first-round selections who can break out in the NBA.

Perhaps the upside best comparison for White is former New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks point guard Derek Harper.

While Harper was never an All-Star, his game was ahead of its time due to his two-way value and shooting ability. White has that same potential as a 6’5″ shooting guard who can drive, shoot, defend multiple positions, and facilitate.

Within the triangle offense, it stands to reason that such a combination skills can be translated to the point guard position on a full-time basis.

White is something of a late bloomer, but that’s something that should work in his favor. He’s only scratched the surface of what he’s capable of on both ends of the floor, and his combination of court vision and shooting ability should be enough to keep him on the court.

If he can continue developing as a slasher and on-ball defender, then the Knicks could have an All-Star level prospect to work with long-term.

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