New York Knicks: A way too early 2018 NBA Mock Draft

Kevin Knox III may be the most polarizing Kentucky Wildcats freshman in quite some time. There are clear signs of superstar potential when he’s on his game, but there are also visible signs that he’s a tweener without a true identity on the court.

Knox is a fringe lottery pick in this mock, but there’s a realistic possibility that he could end up in the Top 5 come the 2018 NBA Draft.

Knox stands at 6’9″ and 209 pounds with a 7’0″ wingspan and explosive leaping ability. He’s an easy target in transition and the pick and roll, and has a quick enough first step to attack a closeout and get to the rim.

Knox projects to be a human highlight reel for the Wildcats, but scouts will be looking for an additional layer of substance that elevates him above being the next Josh Smith.

The downside is that, like Smith, Knox has a propensity to throw up jumpers that he shouldn’t yet be taking. The upside is that, also like Smith, he can defend multiple positions and has produced borderline elite numbers as a rebounder.

Knox only makes sense for the Knicks if he proves capable of playing the 3, but that’s a realistic possibility that may prove to be worth exploring.