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Apr 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The 2017 NBA Draft will dictate the future of the New York Knicks. Just like in every draft, there are "can't miss" prospects and a few "don't draft" potential busts.
For various reasons, the Knicks find themselves at a crossroads this offseason. Carmelo Anthony is longing for greener pastures, while Phil Jackson sprinkles zen voodoo all over Madison Square Garden.
Since it appears the Knicks are likely to draft in the last half of the lottery, some individual prospects can be identified.
If an Anthony trade transpires, more draft picks may enter the mix. Truth be told, the Knicks need multiple first-round picks for sake of their future. For now, Jackson has one shot to make the right pick.
Consequently, he simply can't fail if there can be any hope in New York City.
The 2017 NBA Draft may be one of the most talent-rich drafts in recent memory. Every so often, there are iconic draft classes that shape the future of the NBA. Future articles will be written about this year's draft class being one of the best in recent history.
For that very reason, the New York Knicks must take great care and pick the player best suited for them.
Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
The Must-Have Prospect
John Calipari loves seeing his players succeed and proceed to the first round of the NBA Draft. His starting guards this past season, De'Aaron Fox and Malik Monk, will be featured picks early on in this years draft. A third UK player, Bam Adebayo, could be gone at the end of the first round as well.
All three former Wildcats should be in the NBA for the better part of a decade. Yet, there's only one player in this group—and in the entire draft—whom the Knicks must have.
De'Aaron Fox
This year's UK vs UCLA rematch in the Sweet Sixteen featured a clash between college basketball's two best point guards. Lonzo Ball had a season of hype behind him that included his father making national media rounds on his behalf.
De'Aaron Fox had no such national media hype, but did take note of everything said by and about Ball. By the end of the game, there was no question: Fox outplayed Ball in every possible way. As a result, Fox rocketed up draft boards and is in play to be one of the first three players drafted.
Speed
Fox may be the quickest player to come out of college basketball since John Wall. His first step is deadly and it became even more effective as his jump shot improved.
Furthermore, his lateral quickness means his defense will only get better. At only 175 pounds, Fox will need to bulk up just as John Wall and Russell Westbrook did over their first few years.
And One
With quickness comes the ability to attack the basket and get to the foul line. What sets Fox apart is his ability to finish once he's fouled.
His body may be slight, but he bounces off of contact and completes layups on a regular basis. Once at the charity stripe, Fox hits his free throws and was one of the most clutch players in the country.
Jump Shot
Early on this season, De'Aaron Fox wasn't a great shooter. Opposing defenses learned to sag off him to avoid his drives to the paint.
However, in the months of February and March, Fox's shooting continually improved. If his shooting remains steady once in the NBA, fans should expect Fox to be a staple in NBA All-Star proceedings.
The sad reality for Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks is that Fox could be gone when it's their turn to draft. However, this year's draft is stacked with talent and there are other players to be excited about.
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Best Of The Rest
The New York Knicks list of needs are much longer than one player. If Carmelo Anthony leaves, then the team will need scoring. Even if he stays, the team needs a point guard. No matter what happens with the rest of the roster, there are a few players in this draft the Knicks should target.
Jonathan Isaac
Jonathan Isaac is a 6'11 small forward with the range that could make him a star. He played at Florida State, which means he was taught how to play defense. Pairing his size and athleticism with the size and skill of Kristaps Porzingis could prove to be a deadly mix for the Knicks.
Whenever Anthony is gone and the new era begins, the Knicks will need a dynamic offensive option. Isaac could become that very option within a few years.
Justin Jackson
The New York Knicks need help now and Justin Jackson is ready to contribute as soon as he's drafted. He'll come in with tons of experience as a hybrid wing player who can score in various ways.
Jackson is one of the older prospects at age 22, and has added to his skill set every single year. His ability to fill up stat sheets with scoring, rebounds, assists, and steals is something the Knicks could use immediately.
Obviously, there are other talented players in this year's draft. Dennis Smith Jr., Josh Jackson, and Jayson Tatum will all be solid NBA players and could help the Knicks, as well. At the same time, there are players the Knicks need to avoid.
Above all, there's one highly-touted player whom Phil Jackson must ignore and run from if at all possible.
Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Avoid At All Costs
There's no mistaking the talent. LaVar Ball can run his mouth. The fifteen minutes of fame Mr. Ball is receiving on the back of his son is both sad and revolting. With that said, Lonzo Ball is a talented guard who led his team to a successful year.
Can Ball translate college success into NBA stardom?
Not Worth The Trouble
America learned a lot about both De'Aaron Fox and Lonzo Ball in their Sweet 16 matchup. The week-long buildup of the battle culminated in Ball laying an egg on national television. Whoever ends up drafting Ball will not only have to deal with his unorthodox style, but with his father, too.
The New York Knicks already have an owner and team president who are public relations nightmares. New York doesn't need another distraction.
Furthermore, this year's draft is too stacked to take a chance on a player who hasn't proven he can shine in meaningful games.
The Heart
Scouts have a season's worth of tape to evaluate the basketball ability of Lonzo Ball. Yet, it only takes one game to show the true heart of a player. In that one game, Ball didn't rise to the occasion and was overshadowed by a more talented guard.
The Jump Shot
There have been NBA players with long careers who had strange releases on their jumpshot. Of course, Shawn Marion is the most famous example of a player who excelled with a strange release.
The fact is: there's a reason there has only been one Shawn Marion. Lonzo Ball simply doesn't have the athleticism to gain the space his quirky jump shot will need.
Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Athlete
Statistically speaking, Lonzo Ball was one of the best players to be in college basketball the last few years. His size at point guard gave him the edge his shot needed and his length allowed him to be a stout rebounder.
However, Ball isn't athletic enough to overcome or get around quality NBA defenders. The size and athleticism in the NBA will be difficult for Ball to overcome on a consistent basis.
Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
It remains to be seen what becomes of this year's NBA Draft. The Knicks find themselves at a crossroads on various levels.
Fan outrage and player outrage is growing in the midst of questionable behavior by both James Dolan and Phil Jackson.
Hopefully, the player Phil Jackson drafts can give the New York Knicks some hope and can handle the mess he will walk into.
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