2017 NBA First Round Mock Draft 2.0

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-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 /

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

The New York Knicks appear on the verge of a rebuild.  Derrick Rose will depart in free agency, Carmelo Anthony looks destined to be finding a new home.  That will leave the Knicks to build around Kristaps Porzingis and some decent frontcourt depth.

The problem lies with the backcourt.  New York currently only has Courtney Lee and Chasson Randle under contract for next season.  They are in desperate need of guard help, so expect this selection to be a point guard.

Why Frank Ntilikina?

In Phil Jackson’s tenure with the Knicks, he has drafted five players, and three of them have been international prospects who did not play in the NCAA.  That appears to be his preference, and there is top ten worthy international point guard in this draft class.

Frank Ntilikina is a 6’5 Belgium point guard who is still 18 years old.  The biggest selling point for the Knicks is Ntilikina looks best suited for Jackson’s triangle offense.  He is the best three-point shooter and off the ball player of any of the top five point guards (excluding Malik Monk who I see as more of a two guard).  Expect the Knicks to draft Frank Ntilikina if he is still on the board at pick eight.