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2017 NBA Mock Draft: New York Knicks and all 60 picks

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 25, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) and guard De'Aaron Fox (0) celebrate during the game against the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Tennessee-Martin 111-76. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) and guard De'Aaron Fox (0) celebrate during the game against the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Tennessee-Martin 111-76. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 11, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) shoots over California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) during the second half at McKale Center. Arizona won 62-57. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) shoots over California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) during the second half at McKale Center. Arizona won 62-57. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

Lauri Markkanen. 10. player. 67. . Power Forward. Arizona Wildcats

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Dirk Nowitzki
Safe Upside Comparison: Ryan Anderson
Position: Power Forward
Age: 20 (5/22/1997)
Height & Weight: 7’0″ & 225 pounds
2016-17 Slash Line: .492/.423/.835
2016-17 Season Averages: 30.8 MPG, 15.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.4 ORPG, 1.9 3PM

The Sacramento Kings selected point guard Dennis Smith Jr. at No. 5 overall and traded for shooting guard Budy Hield at the 2017 NBA trade deadline. With the backcourt secured and no small forward worthy of the No. 10 pick, Sacramento finds its interior star.

It’s invested draft picks in the likes of Willie Cauley-Stein and Skal Labissiere, but it’s Markkanen who has the best bet of realizing his All-Star potential.

Lauri Markkanen is a rare example of a European big man whose upside comparison to Dirk Nowitzki can actually be justified. He’s not just a lethal 3-point shooter, but has proven capable of taking his man off the bounce and pulling up from midrange.

Markkanen has also flashed the potential to be an overwhelming post player at 7’0″ tall, with the versatility to torment both power forwards and centers.

With these two selections, Sacramento would make significant strides towards building a sustainably strong team. Smith is an elite slasher, Hield and Markkanen are knockdown shooters, and Cauley-Stein and Labissiere have tremendous pick and roll potential.

The New York Knicks should be keeping a close eye on the growth of the Kings. A move like this could open up the floor in a major way and set an example for how to win.

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