New York Knicks: Breaking down every player on Summer League roster
Ognjen Jaramaz
Position: Point Guard
Age: 21 (9/1/1995)
Experience: Rookie
2016-17 Slash Line (Adriatic League): .380/.275/.739
2016-17 Per 36 Averages (Adriatic League): 15.3 points, 4.4 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.5 3-point field goals made
Key Strengths
- Size for position
- Fearlessness
- Scoring versatility
- Professional experience
Key Weaknesses
- Inconsistent jump shot
- Average athlete
- Early in development, yet already 21
Analysis
With the No. 58 overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks selected Ognjen Jaramaz. It was a somewhat surprising move, but Jaramaz made Daily Knicks’ pre-draft list of the top available international prospects.
Jaramaz may or may not make an immediate leap to the NBA, but he’s a player who could turn heads at Summer League in Orlando.
Jaramaz is a 6’5″ point guard with a 6’6″ wingspan, which creates immediate appeal on both ends of the floor. He’s not nearly the defender that Frank Ntilikina is pegged to be, but he plays the passing lanes well and is a force in transition.
If head coach Jeff Hornacek can convince Jaramaz to consistently buy in on defense, he could be a valuable contributor on that end of the floor.
Offensively, Jaramaz is a fearless scorer who attacks the rim and puts up shots against defenders of all sizes and calibers. He’s also a skilled passer, but much like his scoring, his court vision is still a work in progress.
Some believe that Jaramaz will fall short of expectations in the NBA, but the tools are in place for future succeed. Now it’s about commitment and coaching.