National Basketball Association

New York Knicks: 2017 NBA Draft Point Guards To Keep An Eye On

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:45 a.m. ET

Fansided, Maxwell Ogden/FanSided via Daily Knicks

Dec 7, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari talks with guard De’Aaron Fox (0) and guard Malik Monk (5) during the game against the Valparaiso Crusaders in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Valparaiso 87-63. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks are on pace to have possession of a lottery pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Who are the point guards who could fill New York’s biggest void?

The 2017 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most significant events in league history. The talent pool projects to shape the future of the Association with a deep pool of star-caliber prospects.

No position projects to be deeper than the New York Knicks’ most significant position of need: point guard.

The Knicks may lose starting point guard Derrick Rose and backup Brandon Jennings to free agency in 2017. It’s entirely possible that Phil Jackson will utilize free agency to fill those voids, but the draft offers a more cost-efficient and future-friendly route to follow.

Fortunately, there are a number of point guards who are believed to possess star or starting-caliber upside in the upcoming draft.

In some instances, the players have solidified their status as heralded prospects who are garnering tremendous hype. In others, they’re rising up draft boards and could soon break out on the draft front.

The question is: which 2017 NBA Draft point guards should the New York Knicks be scouting in the closing months of the college basketball season?

Feb 1, 2017; Pullman, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) tries to get by Washington State Cougars guard Charles Callison (23) during the second half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. The Bruins won 95-79. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Lonzo Ball, UCLA Bruins

Projected: Top 5
Age: 19 (10/27/1997)
Height, Weight Wingspan: 6’6″, 190 pounds, 6’7″
2016-17 Slash Line: .541/.430/.671
2016-17 Season Averages: 35.2 MPG, 15.1 PPG, 7.8 APG, 5.8 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 2.4 3PM

The Steve Alford turned the UCLA Bruins around when he secured a commitment from Lonzo Ball. Ball is a program-altering point guard who elevates the level of play of those around him and contributes in every phase of the game.

With the size, athleticism, and versatile skill set to be an elite point guard at the next level, Ball would be the perfect addition to the New York Knicks.

Ball’s greatest asset is his size at a listed 6’6″ and 190 pounds with a 6’7″ wingspan. That gives him inherent defensive potential, which is coupled with his intriguing ability to finish at the rim and see the floor from a higher angle than the average point guard.

Perhaps his most cherished skill is the combination of court vision and passing ability that has led many to label him as the best facilitator in this draft class.

Ball’s free throw shooting is a concern, but thus far, he’s been able to consistently knock down the outside shot. That should keep defenders honest when attempting to go under the pick and roll, which alone makes Ball a potentially intriguing fit in New York.

The Knicks need a player who can create for Willy Hernangomez and Kristaps Porzingis, and Ball undoubtedly fits the bill.

Feb 4, 2017; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) reacts as he drives to the basket against the Florida Gators during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 88-66. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Isaiah Briscoe, Kentucky Wildcats

Projected: Late First, Early Second
Age: 20 (4/13/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’2.5″, 216 pounds, 6’8″
2016-17 Slash Line: .473/.351/.707
2016-17 Season Averages: 31.3 MPG, 14.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 3PM

If we’re talking upside, then Isaiah Briscoe best compares to a player who won five championships with Phil Jackson: Ron Harper. Though not nearly as tall as Harper, Briscoe is a powerfully built point guard who can create his own offense and has the physical tools for high-quality defense.

Jackson loves having size in the backcourt, which makes Briscoe both a likely and rational target for the New York Knicks in 2017.

Briscoe could be available early in the second round or late in the first. He would be a reach if the Knicks secure a lottery pick, but he could be worth acquiring if Jackson adds a second first-rounder via trade.

Briscoe isn’t the most efficient shooter in the country, but his work ethic is strong, as evidenced by his slash line going from .439/.135/.460 in 2015-16 to .473/.351/.707 in 2016-17.

Briscoe has a powerful body and elite handles that help him break down defenders and get to the rim. He’s been a competitive defender under John Calipari and has shown the ability to facilitate in both transition and the half court.

Briscoe may not be high on many draft boards in February, but scouting him should be one of the Knicks’ top priorities from hereon out.

Jan 3, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) dribbles the ball against Texas A&M Aggies forward Tonny Trocha-Morelos (10) in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Texas A&M 100-58. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

De’Aaron Fox, Kentucky Wildcats

Projected: Top 10
Age: 19 (12/20/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3.5″, 171 pounds, 6’6.25″
2016-17 Slash Line: .479/.167/.720
2016-17 Season Averages: 29.2 MPG, 16.0 PPG, 5.5 APG, 4.4 RPG, 1.5 SPG

Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari has a long history of securing commitments from elite point guards. The latest point guard to rise up draft boards is freshman sensation and potential NBA star De’Aaron Fox.

Fox has garnered comparisons to point guard John Wall, which is reason enough for Phil Jackson and the front office to value him as a top option.

Fox is an explosive athlete who can drive the lane and finish with both power and creativity. He’s also a tremendous facilitator who sees the floor well, identifies options quickly, and makes crisp passes to his teammates.

With a 38.5″ max vertical leap and the size and length to make plays in the passing lanes, Fox is evolving into a legitimate two-way player.

Enticing as this all may be, Fox needs to improve his jump shot if he’s going to realize his potential. The fact that it’s a correctable skill, however, is reason to be less discouraged and more focused on what he does well.

The New York Knicks need playmakers who defend, and Fox checks those important boxes—an impressive combination for a freshman.

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) takes a shot during warm-ups before the start of a game against the UCLA Bruins at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Markelle Fultz, Washington Huskies

Projected: Top 3
Age: 18 (5/29/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4.75″, 195 pounds, 6’9″
2016-17 Slash Line: .479/.421/.644
2016-17 Season Averages: 35.8 MPG, 23.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 2.1 3PM

There’s a widespread belief that Markelle Fultz is the No. 1 prospect in the 2017 NBA Draft. Though the Washington Huskies are a below .500 team, Fultz is essentially this draft class’ edition of Ben Simmons.

If the New York Knicks manage to secure a Top 3 selection in the 2017 NBA Draft, then Fultz could be the most ideal target.

Fultz is one of the most intriguing individual talents in recent NBA Draft history. He stands at just under 6’5″ and does just about everything at an at least average to above-average level with elite potential as an overall playmaker and defender.

The three areas of concern with Fultz are why New York may be inclined to back off: rigged movement, erratic free throw shooting, and team failure.

Washington is 9-14, which is a tough record to stomach, no matter how talented Fultz may be. He’s also a poor free throw shooter, which may imply that he struggles under pressure, and doesn’t look natural in the way he moves his legs.

Fultz has been one of the most coveted players in the country since he was in high school, however, and there’s no denying how much talent exists.

Feb 4, 2017; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Andrew Jones (1) drives the lane on TCU Horned Frogs guard Jaylen Fisher (0) during the first half at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Jones, Texas Longhorns

Projected: Late First Round
Age: 19 (12/9/1997)
Height & Weight: 6’4″ & 190 pounds
2016-17 Slash Line: .469/.360/.732
2016-17 Season Averages: 25.5 MPG, 11.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.4 3PM

Few players have experienced as meteoric a rise up draft boards as Texas Longhorns point guard Andrew Jones. Jones was ranked No. 32 on the 247Sports Composite Rankings, but is beginning to make his case for a potential lottery pick.

Jones is projected to come off the board in the 20-to-30 range, but he should be firmly on Phil Jackson’s radar in 2017.

Jones is a 6’4″ point guard with elite defensive potential and a developing offensive game. He’s made his name as one of Shaka Smart’s specialists in his vaunted Havoc Defense, which applies full-court defensive pressure to the opposition.

Jones’ willingness to defend, as well as his speed, lateral quickness, size, strength, and length, make him an appealing option for the defensively starved New York Knicks.

Offensively, Jones is still somewhat raw, but has the ability to knock down open shots when his feet are set. He’s shown improving vision as a facilitator, as well, and does a solid job of finishing and drawing contact when attempting to score in traffic.

Jones is a sleeper on the rise, but even if he remains in the 20-to-30 range, the Knicks should be aware of his availability and upside.

Dec 17, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) dribbles against the defense of North Carolina Tar Heels guard Kenny Williams (24) during a game at T-Mobile Arena. Kentucky won the game 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Malik Monk, Kentucky Wildcats

Projected: Top 10
Age: 19 (2/4/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 197 pounds, 6’3.5″
2016-17 Slash Line: .487/.412/.828
2016-17 Season Averages: 31.4 MPG, 21.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 3.2 3PM

There’s a working theory that Malik Monk is a shooting guard in a point guard’s body. He’s entering the NBA at the perfect time, however, as countless point guards have made their name as score-first players in the modern era.

Monk is as explosive a scoring threat as any player in the country, which makes him a prime option for the New York Knicks.

Monk may be the most athletic guard in the country. He’s a blur in transition, has intriguing lateral quickness, and possesses a 42.0″ max vertical leap that could make Derrick Rose stop in his tracks and show his appreciation.

In addition to being an elite athlete, Monk is one of the best shooters in the country—a combination of traits that few NBA players possess.

Monk hasn’t yet established himself as a facilitator, but All-Stars such as Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, and Isaiah Thomas have fared well with a score-first mentality. It should also be noted that Monk is playing on a team with two other star-caliber point guards in Isaiah Briscoe and De’Aaron Fox.

Monk has the natural upside of an NBA superstar. If you don’t believe that, just watch him score 47 points against North Carolina and 37 against Georgia.

If he’s not a point guard, then Monk could essentially be a more athletic Eric Gordon.

Frank Ntilikina, Germany

Projected: Top 10
Age: 18 (7/28/1998)
Height & Weight: 6’5″ & 170 pounds
2016-17 Slash Line (LNB Pro A): .500/.471/.667
2016-17 Per 36 Averages (LNB Pro A): 10.4 PTS, 4.0 REB, 1.2 OREB, 1.6 AST, 1.4 STL, 1.4 3PM

Frank Ntilikina is the international point guard who could bust the landscape of the NBA wide open. European big men are taking the Association by storm, but Ntilikina could join Dennis Schröder as players who could help take over the perimeter.

Ntilikina has elite size and a well-rounded skill set—the type of combination that Phil Jackson covets at the point guard position.

It’s no secret that Phil Jackson covets European players for their advanced fundamentals. Willy Hernangomez of Spain, Mindaugas Kuzminskas of Lithuania, and Kristaps Porzingis of Latvia are all building blocks in Jackson’s system.

Ntilikina hasn’t played in Spain’s Liga ACB like Hernangomez, Kuzminskas, and Porzingis have, but he’s quite the intriguing player.

Ntilikina is a 6’5″ point guard with the court vision to be a facilitator and the shooting range to keep players honest. There will be a transition period from Europe to the NBA, but he’s been dominant in FIBA U18 competition.

For perspective, Ntilikina won the 2016 French Rising Star award—an honor earned by NBA players such as Nicolas Batum, Clint Capela, Boris Diaw, Evan Fournier, Ian Mahinmi, and Tony Parker.

Jan 29, 2017; Louisville, KY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) dribbles the ball against the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Dennis Smith Jr., North Carolina State Wolfpack

Projected: Top 3
Age: 19 (11/25/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 195 pounds, 6’3″
2016-17 Slash Line: .459/.385/.722
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.3 MPG, 19.2 PPG, 7.0 APG, 4.6 RPG, 2.2 SPG, 1.9 3PM

Dennis Smith Jr. entered the 2016-17 college basketball season with rational concerns about the health of his knee. He tore his ACL in high school and thus earned the label of a prospect who carries a significant red flag.

If the New York Knicks have a chance to select the North Carolina State Wolfpack star in the 2017 NBA Draft, however, it would behoove them to do so.

Smith is essentially a 2016-17 version of Derrick Rose in the sense that he carries injury concerns, but also has alluring individual ability. When he’s at his best, Smith looks as dominant as any point guard in the country.

The primary differences between Smith and Rose, however, are that Smith has a consistent outside shot and is already a better defender.

Smith gets up for big games, which is a leadership trait that Phil Jackson would likely and rationally covet. He’s outstanding in the pick and roll, unstoppable in transition, and unwilling to flinch in the face of pressure—no matter the size or caliber of the defender.

Though not the biggest point guard in this draft class, Smith is essentially the Chris Paul of this draft class: a potentially elite player with no true flaw from a skill perspective.

The question is: which point guard would you like to see the New York Knicks take in the 2017 NBA Draft? Hit the comments section and let us know!