One of the most promising European prospects in the 2017 NBA Draft is German small forward Isaac Bonga. He already has elite size for the position, and there’s still time for him to grow with his 18th birthday not arriving until November.
As the New York Knicks look for a small forward to potentially replace Carmelo Anthony, one of Frank Ntilikina’s countrymen could be the answer.
Bonga’s greatest strengths are his physical gifts at 6’9″ with a 7’0″ wingspan and long strides. He’s already learning to use those traits to be able to finish in traffic, whether by playing above the rim or floating shots over big men.
Bonga still needs to polish his jump shot, but that’s a strength that can be developed if he and his coaching staff are willing to put in the extensive work.
Defensively, Bonga’s size and length give him potential along the lines of a Paul George. He has the size and length to defend players at both forward positions, and has the quickness to occasionally switch onto guards.
Coupled with the fact that Bonga ranks amongst the most compelling facilitators in this draft class, it’s plausible that New York could look his way come the 2018 NBA Draft.