New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Draft targets who stepped up on Mar. 17

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PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 17: Gary Trent Jr. #2 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates a three point basket against the Rhode Island Rams during the first half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Gary Trent Jr. isn’t a player who should be drafted with star potential in mind. He has the tools to be a high-level role player, however, and compares favorably to New York Knicks shooting guard Courtney Lee in a vast number of ways.

Against the Rhode Island Rams, Trent helped lead the Duke Blue Devils to a Round of 32 victory by doing what Lee does best: Stepping up situationally.

Trent was arguably the best player on the floor during the first half of Duke’s 87-62 victory. He tallied 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists during the opening frame, burying a trio of three-point field goals that halted Rhode Island’s momentum.

Trent finished the game with 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 34 minutes of what became promising and well-rounded action.

Trent can be a little too hesitant to shoot at times—a la Lee—but he has NBA range on his jump shot and an ideal build for a shooting guard. He can penetrate, distribute, and defend, and while he may never do anything at an elite level, his well-rounded game should help appeal to scouts.

If the New York Knicks have a chance to select Trent in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft, general manager Scott Perry should at least consider doing so.

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The New York Knicks will have an abundance of options come the 2018 NBA Draft.

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