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New York Knicks: Top 5 power forwards in 2018 NBA Draft as of early March

By Maxwell Ogden

DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 24: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a play against the Syracuse Orange during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 24, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 24: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a play against the Syracuse Orange during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 24, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – FEBRUARY 17: Daniel Gafford #10 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks to get a shot off while being defended by Tyler Davis #34 of the Texas A&M Aggies at Bud Walton Arena on February 17, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Aggies 94-75. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – FEBRUARY 17: Daniel Gafford #10 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks to get a shot off while being defended by Tyler Davis #34 of the Texas A&M Aggies at Bud Walton Arena on February 17, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Aggies 94-75. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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I’m of the belief that Daniel Gafford will play center in the NBA, but it’s within the realm of possibility that he could start at the 4. Gafford is a solid athlete with long arms and the ability to make plays at the rim on both ends of the floor.

If the New York Knicks believe that Gafford can help Kristaps Porzingis control the interior on both ends of the floor, his upside could justify the decision.

The primary reason Gafford has been billed as a fringe lottery pick is his shot-blocking ability. He ranks No. 1 in the SEC and No. 16 in the country in block percentage at 11.7, and averages 2.2 blocks per game and 3.9 blocks per 40 minutes.

New York doesn’t exactly need another shot-blocker with Porzingis on the roster, but this is a strength that may actually benefit the Knicks.

With Gafford in the paint, Porzingis could defend the perimeter without also having to cover ground as the last line of defense at the rim. Gafford is also a decent rebounder whose production should improve once his frame fills out.

I wouldn’t advise selecting Gafford in the top 10, but he has star potential that could be extracted if he either stays in school or is made a top priority by the Knicks’ coaching staff.

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