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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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Jan 24, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward John Collins (20) shoots the ball as Syracuse Orange forward Taurean Thompson (12) defends during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward John Collins (20) shoots the ball as Syracuse Orange forward Taurean Thompson (12) defends during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 64. . Power Forward. Wake Forest Demon Deacons. John Collins. 12

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Otis Thorpe
Safe Upside Comparison: Udonis Haslem
Position: Power Forward
Age: 19 (9/23/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.5″, 225 pounds, 6’11.25″
2016-17 Slash Line: .622/.000/.745
2016-17 Season Averages: 26.6 MPG, 19.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 3.8 ORPG, 1.6 BPG, 0.6 SPG

The Detroit Pistons have an All-NBA center in Andre Drummond and a borderline All-Star in point guard Reggie Jackson. Yet, had either Donovan Mitchell or Frank Ntilikina been on the board at No. 12, the Pistons would have selected one of the potential point guard prospects.

Detroit is a legitimate candidate to trade down from No. 12 and acquire veteran aid, but John Collins has All-Star potential that’s worth tapping into.

Collins has experienced a meteoric rise up draft boards based on the strength of his elite athleticism and prototypical physical profile. He’s now ranked as the No. 12 overall prospect by DraftExpress and the No. 16 overall prospect by Chad Ford of ESPN Insider.

Standing at just under 6’10” with explosive leaping ability and overwhelming physicality, Collins has the tools to be a highlight reel mainstay and offensive mismatch.

Collins’ skill set is still developing, but he’s flashed range on his jump shot and is comfortable playing in the post. He’s an outstanding pick and roll player who would give Jackson and Stan Van Gundy another go-to option.

For what it’s worth, Collins finished the 2016-17 season with absurd averages of 28.8 points, 14.8 rebounds, 5.6 offensive rebounds, 2.4 blocks, and 1.0 steal per 40 minutes.

Even a team that doesn’t need a big man—say, the New York Knicks—should be intrigued.

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