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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 28, 2017; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) shoots a three point shot against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the second half at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Duke defeated Wake 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) shoots a three point shot against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the second half at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Duke defeated Wake 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Luke Kennard. 18. player. 100. . Shooting Guard. Duke Blue Devils

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Jeff Hornacek
Safe Upside Comparison: J.J. Redick
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 20 (6/24/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5.5″, 196 pounds, 6’5.25″
2016-17 Slash Line: .489/.438/.856
2016-17 Season Averages: 35.5 MPG, 19.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.4 3PM

If the Indiana Pacers are going to convince Paul George to re-sign, then they must build a team around him that can compete and contend. That may sound like a stretch, but George led Indiana to Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2013 and 2014.

Indiana may need to make an additional trade or a move in free agency to sway George’s opinion, but the selection of Luke Kennard could stand as progress.

Kennard is regarded as a potential lottery pick, which has a lot to do with the era that he’s entering. He may have been nothing more than a role player in the past, but in a 3-point heavy league, Kennard can be an impact performer.

Statistically speaking, he made 143 3-point field goals during his two-year Duke career, including the 88 he converted on 43.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc in 2016-17.

His limitations are athletic, but Kennard has the potential to be the heat check shooter who’s simply ready for the moment—an appealing skill alongside a star like George.

For Indiana, Kennard can be a valuable two-way player with his 3-point stroke and a competitive nature that could birth defensive consistency. He has basic handles, but is capable of getting to his spots from midrange and pulling up with precision.

The New York Knicks are reportedly high on Kennard, but it’s the Pacers that give George a developable young teammate with immediate value.

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