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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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Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) reacts after making a basket against the Oregon Ducks in the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) reacts after making a basket against the Oregon Ducks in the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

16. player. 24. . Small Forward. North Carolina Tar Heels. Justin Jackson

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Joe Johnson
Safe Upside Comparison: Khris Middleton
Position: Small Forward
Age: 22 (3/25/1995)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8.25″, 203 pounds, 6’11”
2016-17 Slash Line: .443/.370/.748
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.0 MPG, 18.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.6 3PM

The Chicago Bulls have made it clear that shooting and athleticism are two of the primary focal points entering the 2017 NBA Draft. Duke Blue Devils shooting guard Luke Kennard is an option to fill that void, but this comes down to Terrance Ferguson and Justin Jackson.

Ferguson is being underrated by analysts, but in this mock draft, it’s Jackson who’s selected as the prospect who fits Chicago’s preferred mold.

If Jimmy Butler is kept in Chicago, then he could move back to shooting guard as Jackson takes over at small forward. In that scenario, Butler would be complemented by a defensive-minded player with the size and length to contain opponents at multiple positions.

The Bulls need to alleviate pressure from Butler on offense, but they must also enable the go-to scorer to spread out his high-intensity possessions on defense.

Jackson would enable them to do so.

Back on offense, Jackson has an incredible work ethic and an outstanding outside shot that will help Chicago space the floor. He’s also proven capable of attacking the teeth of a defense and finishing in traffic, but early in his career, his jump shot will be his best friend.

The New York Knicks are also interested in Jackson, but the Bulls make a pick that’s true to the past form of Gar Forman and John Paxson.

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