New York Knicks fans are consistently discussing the potential of a tank job in 2017-18. Who are the NBA Draft prospects whom the Knicks may tank for?
As the New York Knicks prepare for the 2017-18 NBA regular season, hundreds of athletes are preparing for a different campaign. College basketball and European players are preparing for a year that will be focused on both achieving victory and becoming NBA Draft prospects.
Thus, while the Knicks may be focused on piecing together a winning season in 2017-18, a similar measure of interest should be placed on the annual selection process.
The working theory around the NBA is that New York will miss the playoffs come 2018. The over/under has been set at 30.5 wins for the 2017-18 season, which would put the organization in the range of one of Top 5 picks.
If that proves to be the case, then the Knicks will have another opportunity to create a core that can resurrect the organization.
The 2017 NBA Draft garnered considerable hype as one of the deepest classes in recent memory. The 2018 class may not be as highly regarded, but there are a number of high-quality players who possess legitimate star potential.
In order to determine which prospects the New York Knicks should be scouting, it’s only rational to offer an early preseason 2018 NBA mock draft.
The prized prospect of the 2018 NBA Draft is Liga ACB standout Luka Doncic. Doncic is just 18 years of age, but he already measures at 6’8″ with a wingspan that appears to at least match his elite size for the shooting guard position.
In addition to having the size to physically overwhelm the average NBA shooting guard, Doncic has a dynamic skill set that could make him the top pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Doncic is a 6’8″ shooting guard who possesses as complete a skill set as any prospect in the world. He’s a true anomaly on the European basketball scene, as he’s been given early opportunities for significant playing time that are rarely afforded to players his age.
At 18 years of age, Doncic already has extensive experience on the most decorated team, Real Madrid, in the best basketball league, Liga ACB, outside of the NBA.
Doncic has a solid shooting stroke, above-average court vision, and improving finishing ability in traffic. He’s not an elite athlete, but he’s quick off the bounce and is capable of playing above the rim when he jumps off of two feet.
If the New York Knicks don’t get too much in their own heads, adding this European phenom could propel the franchise back into relevance.
The Missouri Tigers have landed arguably the biggest recruit in program history in small forward Michael Porter. Porter has the tools to become a Paul George type of contributor in the way he brings elite size and versatility to the forward positions.
Some are skeptical of whether or not Porter will be able to live up the hype, but he has a great number of fans in NBA circles.
Porter is a 6’10” forward with a 7’0″ wingspan and the skill set of a star-caliber small forward. He’s not the most explosive athlete in this daft class, but he’s fluid in his range of motion, and takes long strides in transition.
Porter is quicker than he is fast, utilizing a solid first step and doing a solid job of playing above the rim off of straight line drives.
Offensively, Porter has a soft jump shot and a tenacious competitive nature on the boards. Defensively, he projects to be able to defend both forward positions, and could also contain shooting guards if he puts the time in to improve his lateral quicknss.
If Porter manages to justify the hype at Missouri, the New York Knicks will be one of the first teams lining up to acquire him to replace Carmelo Anthony.
The Duke Blue Devils have landed a star of a recruit in reclassified forward Marvin Bagley. Some already have Bagley pegged as the No. 1 prospect in this draft class, due primarily to the rare combination of size, athleticism, and versatile skill.
Bagley is far from a shoo-in to be a Top 3 draft pick, but he’s as safe of a projection as anyone who’s on the 2017 board.
Bagley is a 6’11” power forward who plays the game in a way that’s comparable to some of the best small forwards in the NBA. He has a smooth shooting stroke, runs the floor as well as most wings, and has even developed a tight enough handle to attack from the perimeter.
Bagley is far from unfit to play the 4, however, as he has the tools and willingness to crash the boards and alter shots at the rim.
For the New York Knicks, drafting Bagley would mean finding a star-caliber offensive complement to Porzingis. He has the fluid athleticism on the drive to even spend some time as a 3 in the position-less NBA, and the raw scoring ability to create a two-headed monster.
Bagley wears the No. 35 on his jersey, and the comparison to Kevin Durant may be a fair one when one considers how dynamic a talent he is.
The Arizona Wildcats have landed one of the most physically imposing big men in this recruiting class. A candidate to go No. 1 in the 2018 NBA Draft, DeAndre Ayton looks the part of the NBA’s next throwback force of nature at the center position.
Comparing favorably to a healthy Andrew Bynum, it’s fair to believe that Ayton can become a championship-caliber building block in the Association.
Ayton stands at 7’0″ and 243 pounds with a monstrous near 7’6″ wingspan and a 9’3″ standing reach. His body is still filling out and muscle is still being added to his frame, but he already has the type of measurements that few can rival.
Those gifts are put to no better use than when he’s crashing the boards, where he projects to be a legitimately unstoppable contributor.
Defensively, Ayton projects to be able to block shots anchor the low post with his powerful frame. Offensively, he has excellent hands on the dive, moves well without the ball, has some measure of proficiency in the post, and even has range on his improving jump shot.
The New York Knicks may not be in the market for a big man, but there are few prospects who project to be more worthy of a Top 5 pick than Ayton.
Texas Longhorns big man Mohamed Bamba has been cleared by the NCAA to play in 2017-18. The Harlem native will look to justify the Top 5 hype as the defensive anchor for Shaka Smart’s defensive powerhouse in Austin.
The New York Knicks may not need another big man, but it’d be irrational to ignore the potential dominance of a pairing of Bamba and Kristaps Porzingis.
With no hyperbole whatsoever, there may only be two players in the NBA whose physical gifts rival Bamba’s: Rudy Gobert and Porzingis. For those unfamiliar, Bamba stands at 7’0″ and 216 pounds with an astonishing 7’9″ wingspan and an absurd 9’6″ standing reach.
It goes without saying that, like Gobert and Porzingis, Bamba has the physical tools to become a genuinely elite defensive player and rim protector.
Offensively, Bamba has a raw skill set that includes a decent hook shot, improving mechanics on his jump shot, and impressive footwork for a player his age. He needs to add muscle to his frame, but he’s light on his feet and more skilled than he’s given credit for.
If the Knicks managed to pair Bamba with Porzingis, they’d have the most physically imposing combination of big men in the NBA.
The No. 1 point guard in the 2017 NBA Draft is incoming Duke Blue Devils freshman Trevon Duval. The flashy nature of his game has won over fans who scour YouTube videos, but the substance is even more impressive than the highlights.
Duval has the tools to be a star in the NBA, and head coach Mike Krzyewski is the type of experienced mind who can bring out the best of him.
Duval has a Kyrie Irving type of prototypical build at 6’3″ and 195 pounds with a near 6’10” wingspan. He’s more of an explosive athlete than Irving, which is how he makes up for his currently lackluster jump shot.
With a powerful frame, an outstanding first step, and a special degree of body control, Duval has the potential to be a generational slasher.
The key complements to his athleticism and finishing ability are his improving court vision and defensive potential. There’s no guaranteeing that he’ll commit to defense, but the potential exists for consistent All-Defensive Team honors.
The New York Knicks don’t necessarily need a point guard, but if Duval is on the board, it will be difficult to pass up the opportunity to pair him with Frank Ntilikina.
Once again, the best player on the board is a big man with a somewhat traditional offensive skill set. Robert Williams was a projected lottery pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, but instead opted to return to the collegiate ranks for the 2017-18 season.
Williams will now look to make good on his potential to be a Top 5 pick with yet another season that sends waves throughout the Association.
Williams is a 6’9″ and 237-pound power forward with a 7’4″ wingspan, elite athleticism, and the ability to play even bigger than he is. His motion is fluid and crisp, and rising up to either alter shots or finish above the rim comes naturally to him.
A tremendous rim runner with elite pick and roll potential, Williams is one of the most explosive big men one can find in college basketball.
Williams’ skill set is displayed by his 2016-17 averages of 18.3 points, 12.6 rebounds, 4.7 offensive boards, 2.2 assists, 3.8 blocks, and 1.0 steal per 40 minutes. He’s a ferocious rebounder and a dominant shot-blocker who’s learning to play from the post and create for others.
Williams also has expanding range on his jump shot, and the development of said skill could mark the completion of his evolution into a star-caliber player.
Miles Bridges has as much to prove during the 2017-18 college basketball season as anyone in the 2017 NBA Draft. The talent is undeniable, but many have questioned whether or not Bridges has a true position at the next level.
Hybrid forwards are in season in the NBA, but Bridges would likely struggle at power forward with measurables of 6’6″ with a near 6’9″ wingspan.
True as that may be, Bridges has a raw physicality that’s helped him overcome those disadvantages up to this point of his career. He can bully his way to the basket, play from the post, and dominate the defensive boards.
It’s fair to question whether or not those abilities will translate to the next level, but there’s an undeniable measure of skill that complements his physicality.
Bridges is a proficient passer who can turn a drive or a post-up into a perfectly timed look out to the perimeter. He’s also a quality three-point shooter who converted 2.0 per game at a clip of 38.9 percent in 2016-17.
If Bridges can further polish his perimeter game and prove to be a full-time small forward, then the New York Knicks could look his way to replace Carmelo Anthony long-term.
The Miami Hurricanes will have two potential lottery picks on the roster in 2017-18. The first will be incoming freshman and potential Top 5 draft pick Lonnie Walker, who has the look of a potential All-Star at the next level.
Walker recently underwent knee surgery, but he projects to be ready for the start of the season, and will face high expectations once he takes the court.
Walker is a 6’4″ and 206-pound shooting guard with a 6’10” wingspan and powerful driving ability. His jump shot is still relatively inconsistent, but he has solid mechanics and the ability to occasionally pull up off the bounce.
While he’s developing his jump shot into a weapon in his arsenal, Walker will torment teams in transition, and will be a feared threat in isolation due to his creativity, power, and quickness.
Defensively, Walker has the tools to be one of the best perimeter players in this draft class. He has the strength to defend both wing positions, and could become the type of lockdown defender that the New York Knicks want in the backcourt.
The Knicks have Tim Hardaway Jr., but Walker could be the creative and acrobatic slasher who completes the formation of the young core.
Phil Jackson may be out as team president, but his preference of point guards with elite size shouldn’t leave with him. Frank Ntilikina has the tools to be an elite defensive player in what’s becoming a position-less NBA.
If that trend continues , then the New York Knicks should give serious consideration to junior SMU Mustangs point guard Shake Milton.
Milton is officially listed as a 6’5″ point guard, but he’s been measured as tall as 6’7″. His wingspan has consistently come in at 6’11.5″, which gives him nearly identical measurements to Ntilikina—a reality that could permit uncanny defensive versatility in New York’s backcourt.
Milton is an also an elite three-point shooter, which creates the foundation for the offensive value that could shape their success.
Over the course of his two collegiate seasons, Milton has converted 134 three-point field goals on 42.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc. He’s also an above-average facilitator. Milton struggles to get to the rim, but he’s made intriguing progress since his freshman year.
The Knicks don’t necessarily need another point guard, but a combination of Milton and Ntilikina could create unique possibilities.
The common theme in the draft lottery is that the top prospects on the board are big men. Some exceptions exist, but the New York Knicks may find themselves in the Top 10 of an NBA Draft that compels them to draft another big man.
If the belief exists that a better player than Willy Hernangomez can be found here, then that pick may be justified—and Jaren Jackson will have a case to make.
The best comparison for Jackson is Indiana Pacers rising star Myles Turner. Like Turner, Jackson is still figuring his game out, and thus, may not be the most dominant player in the country—even though he has every tool to be that player.
What Jackson also shares with Turner, however, is the unique ability to dominate the game on both ends of the floor when he’s focused on doing so.
Offensively Jackson has range on his jump shot and the body to post players up with regularity. Defensively, his 6’10” height, 7’4″ wingspan, and fluid athleticism should enable him to block shots, dominate the boards, and shut down both interior positions.
Hernangomez should be penciled in as the future at the center position, but Jackson and Kristaps Porzingis could be a dominant duo.
The Duke Blue Devils have pieced together yet another outstanding recruiting class. One of the most highly-touted prospects in this draft class is power forward Wendell Carter Jr., who could come off the board in the Top 10.
The 2018 NBA Draft has a number of compelling players, but Carter looks the part of a contributor who could last quite some time in the NBA.
Carter is a physical force of nature at 6’10” and 263 pounds with a 7’3″ wingspan and a 9’0″ standing reach. Those are NBA-caliber measurements for a power forward, and could even be enough for him to become a full-time center.
Either outcome could be ideal for the New York Knicks if the determination is made that Carter is a better fit than Willy Hernangomez.
Carter has an intriguing level of skill as both a back to the basket finisher and a face-up scoring threat. He’s a tenacious rebounder and a skilled passer, as well, and may be as NBA-ready as just about any prospect in this draft class.
Carter may be ranked at No. 12, but it’s entirely possible that he’ll rise up the board as far as the Top 5 come the 2018 NBA Draft.
The Alabama Crimson Tide have a former NBA player and head coach running the show in 1999 NBA champion Avery Johnson. Come 2017-18, the focal point of Johnson’s offense will be freshman point guard Collin Sexton.
Johnson knows what it takes to be a successful contributor to an NBA team, and Sexton is the type of open book who could heed his advice.
Sexton could very easily be ranked as one of the Top 10 players in this draft class. He stands at 6’2″ with a 183-pound frame, a 6’7″ wingspan, and the explosive athleticism to take his man off the bounce, attack closeouts, and finish above the rim.
Coupled with the end-to-end speed that will make him a blur in transition, Sexton is perfectly equipped to be a force of nature in the modern NBA.
Sexton’s shooting mechanics have improved, but his game is all about getting past the first defender and finishing in traffic. He has the defensive potential to be an ace, as well, which will appeal to teams near the top of the draft.
The New York Knicks haven’t yet shown an indication that Frank Ntilikina will be a part of a two-headed point guard monster, but Sexton would complement him well as another defensive stud and a truly lethal slasher.
The USC Trojans aren’t exactly known for producing NBA-caliber players, but De’Anthony Melton has the look of a potential Top 10 pick. The sophomore point guard has the physical tools to become the perfect complement to Frank Ntilikina.
A motivated defender, superb slasher, and capable facilitator, Melton would make it possible for Jeff Hornacek to bring back his dual point guard sets.
Melton stands at 6’4″ with a 6’8″ wingspan, which gives him a similar measure of defensive versatility to Ntilikina. The two would be able to alternate between defending point guards and shooting guards, which is an element Hornacek was without in Phoenix.
Statistics only matter so much, but Melton recorded averages of 7.0 rebounds, 2.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks per 40 minutes during his freshman season.
Offensively, Melton does an outstanding job of getting to the rim and finishing in traffic—Ntilikina’s primary offensive flaw. He’s also a respectable passer who’s beginning to see the floor better and managed to limit his turnovers to an average of just 2.6 per 40 minutes.
Some may argue that Tim Hardaway Jr. can fill that role, but a combination of Melton and Ntilikina would create excellent balance on offense.
The best comparison for Oregon Ducks freshman Troy Brown Jr. may be Andre Iguodala. He has the size, length, and athleticism to be a dominant slasher, but he instead opts to be a pass-first player who creates for his teammates.
The New York Knicks will likely be targeting a small forward in the 2018 NBA Draft, and Brown would be as good of a fit as any.
Brown stands at just under 6’7″ and 210 pounds with a 6’11” wingspan and NBA-caliber athleticism. He projects to be an outstanding defensive player, but that will need to be proven during his freshman season at Oregon.
The early signs of competitive nature are present on defense, and that’s something the Knicks should be intrigued by in 2017-18.
The key to Brown’s game is that he’s an excellent passer who sees the court at an above-average level. He can set his teammates up in transition, and has that same ability as it pertains to playing in the half court with moving pieces around him.
Frank Ntilikina is the point guard of the future, but a small forward who can lighten the facilitating burden would be a wise addition.
In recent weeks, Mitchell Robinson has become the most prominent name on the news reel. He’s flirted with skipping his freshman season, but has instead returned to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and is primed and ready for a monumental season.
Robinson could have chosen almost any school he wanted, but he’s taken on the challenge of elevating Western Kentucky to relevance.
Robinson has elite physical gifts as a 7’0″ center with a near 7’4″ wingspan, a 9’3″ standing reach, and a build that’s filling out. He can dominate the paint with his size, length, and physicality, and projects to do exactly that in 2017-18.
Robinson has no trouble whatsoever playing above the rim, and that includes when he’s working in traffic and competing for offensive rebounds.
Defensively, Robinson has the tools to be a dominant shot-blocker and an even better rebounder. Some will accuse him of being too traditional, but he’s making the effort to add a jump shot and should be an excellent rim protector.
Willy Hernangomez has star potential, but if Robinson lives up to the hype, even the New York Knicks will be eyeing him.
Approaching the 2017-18 college basketball season, the word out of Lexington is that Nick Richards has Willie Cauley-Stein potential. Richards, who played high school basketball in New York and New Jersey, has the size, length, and athleticism to justify that claim.
The New York Knicks have a promising young center in Willy Hernangomez, but if he regresses in 2017-18, Richards could be a target.
Richards stands at just under 7’0″ and 239 pounds with a near 7’4″ wingspan. He has not trouble rising up and playing above the rim, which should make him an ideal pick and roll target for both Kentucky and his potential NBA team.
Richards also runs the floor well in transition, which is a strength that he can put to use if he improves his fundamentals in filling the lane.
The offensive contributions undeniably matter, but all eyes will be on Richards’ defense in 2017-18. He has the size, length, and athleticism to switch on the pick and roll, and should be an elite rim protector if he commits to the task.
Hernangomez is unlikely to take a significant step back in 2017-18, but a player like Richards could be insurance for the Knicks.
There’s a realistic possibility that Miami Hurricanes shooting guard Bruce Brown will be a lottery pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. He’s an explosive athlete with a well-rounded offensive game and the potential to become a lockdown defender.
Lonnie Walker may be garnering more early hype, but Brown is an NBA-caliber athlete with the tools to play both guard positions.
Standing at 6’5″ with a chiseled 200-pound frame and the explosiveness to blow by defenders and finish above the rim, Brown is physically imposing. He’s already shown signs of putting those tools to use on defense, where he’s evolving into quite the playmaker.
The next step will be developing the consistency and focus to be able to lock players down, but there’s reason to believe that goal will come to fruition.
Offensively, Brown is an excellent straight-line finisher and a capable three-point shooter who can balance his scoring efforts. He’s also an above-average passer who sees the floor well and has shown the ability to run the pick and roll.
Brown is a shooting guard, but the New York Knicks could benefit from complementing Frank Ntilikina with a 2 who can help facilitate the offense.
Few players garnered more headlines leading up to the 2017 NBA Draft than Hamidou Diallo. Diallo reclassified, enrolled at the University of Kentucky, and found himself eligible to enter the annual selection process.
Unhappy with the grades he received from NBA scouts and general managers, Diallo will instead play for the Kentucky Wildcats in 2017-18.
Diallo is one of the most freakishly athletic players the basketball world has ever seen. Standing at 6’5″ with a 6’11.25″ wingspan, Diallo complements his prototypical build for an NBA shooting guard with a ridiculous 44.5″ max vertical leap.
Diallo’s frame still needs to fill out, but in terms of his size, length, and athleticism, there aren’t many in the NBA who are as gifted as he.
The questions are found on the court, where Diallo is still a work in progress. He’s faster and more explosive than Zach LaVine, but his jump shot is still erratic and his defensive consistency will need to be proven under head coach John Calipari.
The raw abilities are in place, however, which means the New York City native will be firmly on the radar when the New York Knicks inevitably send scouts to watch Kentucky play in 2017-18.
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.
Arizona Wildcats shooting guard Rawle Alkins is a player whom the New York Knicks should spend significant time scouting in 2017-18. His best upside comparison appears to be Lance Stephenson, who was once a featured contributor to a Conference Finalist.
The Knicks may have two promising young guards in Frank Ntilikina and Tim Hardaway Jr., but depth is paramount in the modern NBA.
Alkins is somewhat undersized at 6’4″ with a 6’9″ wingspan, but he makes up for that with his athleticism, power, and tenacity. He’s capable of putting his head down, working his way into the paint, and finishing through or over defenders.
With a 40.5″ max vertical leap and a conversion rate of 52.1 percent on 2-point field goals as a freshman, the numbers work in Alkins’ favor.
The two most intriguing aspects of Alkins’ game are his abilities as a facilitator and a three-point shooter. He’s more than capable of creating for his teammates off the drive, and converted 1.7 three-point field goals made per 40 minutes on 37.0 percent shooting.
Alkins may not become a full-time starter in the NBA, but he has Sixth Man of the Year potential in the way he scores, creates, and plays above the rim.
One could fairly argue that the New York Knicks don’t need to draft a big man. Kristaps Porzingis has All-NBA potential at power forward, Willy Hernangomez possesses similar upside at center, and Kyle O’Quinn could be a rational re-sign in 2018.
Even if the Knicks decide against selecting Jessie Govan in the 2017 NBA Draft, however, it’s worth noting that he’s one of the most intriguing Georgetown big men in quite some time.
Govan, a Queens native, stands at 6’11” and 266 pounds with a 7’4″ wingspan and a 9’2″ standing reach. He’s played limited minutes during his two-year college career, but during that time, he’s looked the part of a potential NBA starter.
Thus far, Govan has recorded averages of 17.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.1 offensive boards, 2.3 assists, and 2.1 blocks per 40 minutes—all of which are indicative of his value.
Govan is a competent post scorer who also carries an average of 0.9 three-point field goals made per 40 minutes into 2017-18. He’s also an excellent passer and a natural defensive deterrent who can block shots and corral rebounds when committed to the task.
If Govan makes the leap he’s expected to make during the 2017-18 season, even the Knicks will have to be wary of his presence on NBA Draft boards
The New York Knicks have signed Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee to lucrative multi-year deals. The modern NBA has blurred positional lines, however, and that could make Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk a realistic option in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft.
The Knicks are embracing the need for ball movement and spacing, and Mykhailiuk has a chance to fill both roles for the Knicks in 2017-18.
Mykhailiuk is a 6’8″ shooting guard, which creates instant appeal for prospective NBA teams. He’s also a lights-out shooter who can rise above the average NBA 2 or 3, and even get his shot off against a short list of power forwards.
That combination of size and shooting ability could be of great value to the Knicks, as the modern NBA requires a significant measure of consistency from distance.
The rest of Mykhailiuk’s game is a work in progress, but his shooting touch is enough to turn heads. He’ll not only space the floor, but could potentially play multiple positions and provide an NBA team with the most valued skill in the modern NBA.
If Mykhailiuk can improve on defense, and continue to polish his driving and facilitating abilities, the Knicks would be hard-pressed to pass him over.
The New York Knicks are quite familiar with the Holiday family. Justin Holiday was nothing short of a revelation during the 2016-17 NBA regular season, and Jrue Holiday was on the Knicks’ radar both at the trade deadline and in free agency.
As Aaron Holiday prepares for his junior season with the UCLA Bruins, there’s no denying how deserving he is of consideration at the 2018 NBA Draft.
Holiday is a 6’1″ and 187-pound point guard with an impressive 6’6″ wingspan. He’s already putting those physical gifts to use on the collegiate level by rebounding at a high level and playing the passing lanes as well as just about anyone in this draft class.
That defensive potential will undoubtedly appeal to Scott Perry and Steve Mills, who are emphasizing defense in the building of a youth movement.
Offensively, Holiday is the complete package as a 3-point shooter, facilitator, and capable dribble penetrator. He’s converted 92 3-point field goals on 41.4 percent shooting during his two-year career, and averaged 6.6 assists per 40 minutes in 2016-17.
If Holiday is able to build upon that success, he could be a viable option for the Knicks if their pick is outside the lottery.
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.
A growing belief existed in the weeks leading up to the 2017 NBA Draft that Rodions Kurucs could be a late lottery pick. Most projections had him closer to the 20-to-25 range, but he possessed the combination of size and skill that most teams covet.
If the New York Knicks end up losing Carmelo Anthony, then drafting a small forward like Kurucs could be an ideal turn of events.
Kurucs, 19, is a 6’8″ small forward who has been receiving valuable pro-level experience. He plays for the FC Barcelona second team, where he’s being groomed for a role as one of the featured players on the main roster.
There’s still reason to believe that Kurucs will be unable to justify the hype, but the combination of talent and size is intriguing enough for a Round 1 grade.
From the minimal film that’s been revealed, it appears as though Kurucs has the tools to be a stretch 4, if not a traditional 3. He has a high release point on his jump shot, is capable of playing above the rim, and has a frame that should fill out over time.
2017-18 will be something of a proving ground for Kurucs, who has the physical tools and skill level to be a high-level contributor in the NBA.
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.
The Kansas Jayhawks have produced a surplus of quality guards, including 2017 NBA Draft pick Frank Mason III. The next in line appears to be Devonte’ Graham, who may have an even higher ceiling than the reigning National Player of the Year.
The New York Knicks may have drafted Frank Ntilikina in 2017, but that doesn’t necessarily mean Graham will be overlooked in 2018.
Graham is a 6’2″ point guard with explosive leaping ability and the general athleticism to easily get by at the position. That should enable him to become an effective defender in the sense that he can stay in front of slashers and contest jump shots.
Graham may or may not develop into a Patrick Beverley type of defender, but he has the physical gifts and the coaching to potentially earn that distinction.
Offensively, Graham is an elite three-point shooter who has converted 169 three-point field goals on 41.0 percent shooting since 2015-16. He’s also a capable facilitator who can create penetration, find the open man, and create offense on a consistent basis.
Most importantly: Graham is a big-game player. The Knicks would be wise to at least keep an eye on his development in 2017-18.
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.
Easily the most polarizing player in college basketball is Duke Blue Devils shooting guard Grayson Allen. He has the type of game that would fit wonderfully in the modern NBA, but the attitude and maturity of a player who won’t receive the chance to do so.
If Allen manages to put forth a stellar senior season, it’s undeniably possible that he could work his way back into the first-round discussion—even if the New York Knicks don’t consider him.
On talent alone, Allen has the tools to become one of the better players to emerge from this draft class. He’s an outstanding 3-point shooter who can work without the ball, pull up off the bounce, and get to the rim with enough consistency to keep the opposition honest.
Size could be an issue for him, but Allen is a capable enough distributor to excel as a sixth man in a combo guard type of role.
The issues with Allen is that he can’t seem to keep his head on a swivel in the heat of the moment. Between his issue with tripping opposing players and the severe step backwards that he took in 2016-17, there are reasons to believe he isn’t cut out for the NBA.
At this stage, one simply can’t overlook the talent that could result in Allen persuading a team to take a chance on him at the end of the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft.
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