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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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Feb 22, 2017; Reno, NV, USA; Boise State guard Justinian Jessup (3) and forward Zach Haney (11) block out Nevada Wolf Pack forward Cameron Oliver (0) under the basket in the first half at Lawlor Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2017; Reno, NV, USA; Boise State guard Justinian Jessup (3) and forward Zach Haney (11) block out Nevada Wolf Pack forward Cameron Oliver (0) under the basket in the first half at Lawlor Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1, Pick 58: Cameron Oliver, Nevada Wolfpack

Upside Comparison: Taj Gibson
Position: Power Forward
Age: 20 (7/11/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8.25″, 239 pounds, 7’1.25″
2016-17 Slash Line: .465/.384/.692
2016-17 Season Averages: 31.9 MPG, 16.0 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.6 ORPG, 1.8 APG, 2.6 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 1.9 3PM

With Kyle O’Quinn and Marshall Plumlee shipped out via a trade, the New York Knicks would be losing two hard-working interior players. In O’Quinn, the Knicks would be in danger of losing the best rebounder on the roster, as well as an effective shot-blocker.

The best bet here would be to find the missing piece down low: an athletic complement to Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez.

Cameron Oliver, who has already worked out for the Knicks, could be the perfect fit in New York. He stands at just over 6’8″ in shoes, but has a 7’1.25″ wingspan, a solid 239-pound frame, and an explosive 39.5″ max vertical leap.

With length, strength, and leaping ability, Oliver could help bring the missing athletic element to New York’s otherwise solid interior.

Beyond the physical traits, Oliver is an excellent shot-blocker and a skilled offensive player with a 3-point shot. Perhaps most importantly, he’s an outstanding defensive rebounder who would be joining a Knicks squad that allowed more second chance points than any other team in the NBA.

Oliver isn’t guaranteed to pan out at the next level, but he fits the mold of what the Knicks are currently missing along the interior.

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