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2017 NBA Draft: First Round Mock 1.0

By Tyler Watts

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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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
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 /

7. New York Knicks- Frank Ntilikina- PG- Strasbourg (International)

The New York Knicks are a team to follow this offseason.  The Carmelo Anthony drama is unfolding before our eyes.  Derrick Rose is a free agent leaving the Knicks without a true point guard on their roster and other than Kristaps Porzingis this team has little to no young talent.

Why Frank Ntilikina?

A 6’5 point guard who does not turn 19 years old until July sounds enticing.  When you throw in Ntilikina’s playmaking ability and defensive prowess it is making the team’s mouth water.

I will admit I have not seen lots of film on Ntilikina.  I have heard good things, and Draft Express has some glowing reports about him, but I cannot say I have seen enough to make a firm determination, yet.  I think New York has some experience of taking an international player and it paying off, so hopefully, the same goes for Ntilikina.

I believe they pick him due to his three-point shooting and ability to play off the ball better than the next two selections.  New York renewed the contract of Phil Jackson meaning some version of triangle offense sticks around.   That requires a point guard with a different skill set.  Ntilikina appears to the best fit and for what it is worth ESPN is already reporting the Knicks are in on Ntilikina.

*New York has a 5.3% chance of having the number one overall selection

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