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New York Knicks: Realistically ambitious 2017 NBA Mock Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 15, 2017; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots a free throw against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots a free throw against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-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 /

Point Guard. Colorado Buffaloes. Derrick White. 20. player. 27.

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

With the 20th overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks could either select a point guard or move up in the draft. With Donovan Mitchell and Frank Ntilikina likely to be off the board at No. 14, where New York could conceivably move up to in this scenario, they stay at No. 20.

Jawun Evans and Derrick White have potential worth tapping into, and it’s the latter who gets the nod due to Phil Jackson’s penchant for point guards with elite size.

One could argue that Evans is the better prospect, but drafting White would be consistent with Jackson’s history. He’s a 6’5″ hybrid guard with a near 6’8″ wingspan, a 36.5″ max vertical leap, and a versatile offensive skill set.

White will need to improve his footwork and fundamentals on defense, but he’s proven to be capable on that end of the floor.

White is a balanced playmaker who can work the pick and roll, push the pace in transition, and keep defenders honest with his 3-point shot. He finishes well at the rim, as well, and drew contact at a rate of 6.5 free throw attempts per 40 minutes in 2016-17.

White will be a 23-year-old rookie, but averages of 22.0 points, 5.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.5 steals, and 2.0 3-point field goals made per 40 minutes display just how valuable he can be.

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