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New York Knicks: Checking in on Top 5 2018 NBA Draft prospects

By Maxwell Ogden

DURHAM, NC - NOVEMBER 17: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game against the Southern University Jaguars at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 17, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 78-61. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - NOVEMBER 17: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game against the Southern University Jaguars at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 17, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 78-61. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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TUCSON, AZ – NOVEMBER 10: Brooks Debisschop #25 of the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks defends Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats during the first half of the college basketball game at McKale Center on November 10, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats beat the Lumberjacks 101-67. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ – NOVEMBER 10: Brooks Debisschop #25 of the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks defends Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats during the first half of the college basketball game at McKale Center on November 10, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats beat the Lumberjacks 101-67. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /

3. Deandre Ayton, Arizona Wildcats

Position: Center
Age: 19 (7/23/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’11.5″, 243 pounds, 7’5.5″
2017-18 Slash Line: .600/.167/.765
2017-18 Season Averages: 29.3 MPG, 18.7 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 2.0 ORPG, 1.7 APG, 1.7 BPG, 1.0 SPG

The Arizona Wildcats have a center who could become the most dominant player in the 2018 NBA Draft. Deandre Ayton is not only one of the biggest players in this draft class, but is as explosive an athlete as anyone in the country.

If the New York Knicks want to build a championship-caliber interior for the future, then pairing Ayton with Kristaps Porzingis would be a massive step towards that status.

Ayton stands at just under 7’0″ and 243 pounds with a near 7’6″ wingspan—reason enough to be intrigued by his NBA potential. That’s even more intriguing when one considers the fact that he’s one of the most explosive leapers at his position.

Between his size, length, and leaping ability, Ayton should be an elite pick and roll target, and an intimidating shot-blocker in the NBA—quite the combination.

What makes Ayton special is what he’s flashed in 2017-18: A contemporary ability to create for himself and others. He passes well out of the post, is capable of finishing over both shoulders, and has expanding range on his jump shot.

A massive body with elite athleticism, a modern offensive skill set, and the tools for defensive dominance, Ayton would be the perfect star complement to Porzingis.

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