New York Knicks: International prospects to consider in 2017 NBA Draft

Team president Phil Jackson hasn’t hesitated to tap into the international talent pool. Who might the New York Knicks be considering in the 2017 NBA Draft?

If only one aspect of his tenure as team president of the New York Knicks can be praised, Phil Jackson should be applauded for capitalizing on the European market. Few players on the Knicks inspire reason for optimism, but the select few who do generally share a common trait.

Whether via the 2017 NBA Draft or free agency, the Knicks have built the foundation for future success on the fundamental polish of European players.

New York made a powerful splash when it selected Kristaps Porzingis at No. 4 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. It wasn’t long after that New York executed a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers to acquire Willy Hernangomez at No. 35 overall.

During the summer of 2016, it was under-the-radar free agent Mindaugas Kuzminskas whom Jackson and the Knicks managed to acquire.

Although the Knicks may not be winning many games, all three of those young European players have become fan favorites. That’s founded in how well they’ve performed despite the veterans’ inability to string together victories.

The question is: Which international prospects might Phil Jackson be considering with the 2017 NBA Draft rapidly approaching?