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Knicks Draft: Realistically re-drafting New York’s last 10 first round picks

By Yash Shrivastava

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks and RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks shake hands following the game at Madison Square Garden on November 14, 2019 in New York City. New York Knicks defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks and RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks shake hands following the game at Madison Square Garden on November 14, 2019 in New York City. New York Knicks defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Donovan Mitchell, New York Knicks (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Re-draft of the 2017 NBA Draft for the Knicks: Donovan Mitchell

Knicks pick: 1st Round, Pick 8

Actual player selected: Frank Ntilikina

Donovan Mitchell (selected 13th overall) was projected to be a late lottery pick to mid-first-rounder before the 2017 draft, but there were reports that Phil Jackson liked Mitchell at eighth overall. It may have been a reach, but it was justifiable if the Knicks were not sold on Dennis Smith Jr, Frank Ntilikina, or Malik Monk.

Surprisingly, all three of those players were available for the Knicks when it was their turn to pick. Dennis Smith Jr and Malik Monk had the hype and support of Knicks fans, while Frank Ntilikina was an “ideal” fit for the triangle offense. It may have been tough to sell the other Knicks executives on taking the fourth rated guard on the board, but the Knicks should have.

Dennis Smith Jr, Malik Monk, and Frank Ntilikina were not slam dunk picks, and all had flaws. These flaws are evident today as Dennis Smith Jr. has battled various injuries, Monk has been inconsistent and streaky, and Frank Ntilikina has struggled on the offensive side of the ball. Donovan is a rising star and is one of the most entertaining players to watch today.

It is tough to say that the Knicks should have taken Mitchell when given their situation. Multiple teams passed on him, and the Denver Nuggets traded him. However, since the Knicks considered taking him at the time, he is the pick for the re-draft.

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