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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 21, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) shoots the ball as Penn State Nittany Lions forward Mike Watkins (24) defends during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Purdue defeated Penn State 74-70. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) shoots the ball as Penn State Nittany Lions forward Mike Watkins (24) defends during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Purdue defeated Penn State 74-70. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

118. . Power Forward. Purdue Boilermakers. Caleb Swanigan. 30. player

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Paul Millsap
Safe Upside Comparison: Nikola Vucevic
Position: Forward/Center
Age: 20 (4/18/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8.5″, 246 pounds, 7’3″
2016-17 Slash Line: .527/.447/.781
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.5 MPG, 18.5 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 2.7 ORPG, 3.1 APG, 0.8 BPG, 1.1 3PM

The Utah Jazz have a decision to make at No. 30 overall. The best players on the board are big men, which means Utah will have a choice between Ivan Rabb, Caleb Swanigan, and D.J. Wilson to be the backup and potential replacement to Derrick Favors.

All three players could have significant value in the long-term, but it’s Swanigan who gets the nod due to his offensive proficiency and versatility.

With Rudy Gobert dominating the boards and working the pick and roll, Swanigan can be inserted at the 4 as the more contemporary scoring threat. He has an excellent 3-point shot, plays well from the high post, and can consistently contribute from both the mid and low post areas.

Whether he’s looking to score or facilitate, Swanigan has the skill level to provide the perfect offensive balance to what Gobert does on defense.

It’s admittedly possible that Utah will pursue a different avenue and give Favors slightly more patience. He had been progressing well prior to his injury, and would likely still be the starter even if Swanigan were selected.

If the Jazz are truly committed to exploring every possible route to success, however, then selecting Swanigan would be a wise decision at No. 30.

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