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

Few traits are more important in the modern NBA than defensive versatility. Teams that contend for championships are generally flush with players who can consistently step up on defense against scorers and shooters at multiple positions.

The New York Knicks project to have a player of that caliber in Frank Ntilikina, but it can’t hurt to explore other options—options like Texas standout Andrew Jones.

Jones is a 6’4″ point guard with a near 6’7″ wingspan, above-average athleticism, and a respectable 190-pound frame. He’ll need to bulk up in order to play in the NBA, but his physical profile is already one that will turn heads.

If he manages to build his lower body up and then add muscle to his core, he could be a legitimate lockdown defender—something his coach is already grooming him to be.

Jones plays for Shaka Smart, who has a reputation for emphasizing defense above all else. Offensively, he’s a decent three-point shooter, a promising facilitator, and a skilled enough slasher to get to the charity stripe.

If the Knicks plan to run dual point guard sets under head coach Jeff Hornacek, then it stands to reason that Jones and Ntilikina could be a dynamic defensive tandem.