New York Knicks: Top 16 2018 NBA Draft prospects in the Sweet 16

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PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 17: Trevon Duval #1 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles against Jeff Dowtin #11 of the Rhode Island Rams during the second 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) /

Projection: Late First Round
Age: 19 (8/3/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 186 pounds, 6’3.5″
Slash Line: .427/.296/.596
Season Averages: 29.4 MPG, 10.2 PPG, 5.6 APG, 2.0 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 0.8 3PM

I’m still of the belief that Trevon Duval can emerge as the best point guard to emerge from this class of freshmen. He desperately needs to modernize his game with a three-point shot, but he’s been a hound defensively and a gifted playmaker during his first season at Duke.

Duval is sliding down draft boards due to his inconsistent outside shot, but he has the ceiling of a perennial All-Star and the foundation to be a quality starter regardless.

Duval is a pure playmaker who’s all about creating penetration and finding the open man along the perimeter. He has pick and roll potential as a facilitator, and the ability to create penetration and finish in traffic as a slashing scorer.

Duval desperately needs to improve his outside shot to prevent teams from playing off of him, but his handle, quickness, and finishing ability offer reason for interest.

What’s most intriguing about Duval is that he’s developed into one of the better on-ball defenders in the ACC. He does a solid job of playing the passing lanes, can strip opponents of the ball, and contests shots better than most at the position.

If the New York Knicks believe Frank Ntilikina can operate as a shooting guard on a full-time basis, then selecting Duval in Round 2 or acquiring a second first-round draft pick could be an option.

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