The influx of European perimeter players is one of the most underreported trends in the NBA. The New York Knicks have committed to that international movement with point guard Frank Ntilikina and wing Mindaugas Kuzminskas.
One of the international prospects who looks best fit to be a first-round selection in the 2018 NBA Draft is German shooting guard Kostja Mushidi.
Mushidi stands at just under 6’6″ and 216 pounds with a wingspan that stretches to nearly 7’1″. He’s not the most explosive of athletes, but he has elite measurements for an NBA shooting guard in his size, strength, and length.
That creates the potential for elite defensive execution and similar proficiency as a post scorer if he opts to add that element to his game.
As it presently stands, Mushidi is a capable slasher who can play above the rim and finish in traffic. His shot needs polish, but he’s also displayed the ability to stretch the floor and put points on the board with his shooting proficiency.
With chemistry that can be developed both in New York and international competitions, Mushidi and Ntilikina could create a formidable backcourt.