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Knicks x SAP: The Lab | Mitchell Robinson

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Knicks x SAP: The Lab | Kevin Knox

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Knicks x SAP: The Lab | Dennis Smith Jr.

Jonah Ballow

The New York Knicks selected Damyean Dotson with the No. 44 overall pick on Thursday night at the 2017 NBA Draft.

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Knicks Select Damyean Dotson with the No. 44 Overall Pick in 2017

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Gallery: Frank Ntilikina's Draft Night

Frank Ntilikina’s made a quick stop in Brooklyn to pick up his Knicks hat before heading back to France.  In the midst of a daunting schedule, the 18-year old decided to fly to New York for the NBA Draft and then return to the French League Finals for a series-deciding Game 5.Oh, and, the Knicks selected Ntilikina with the No. 8 overall pick on Thursday night.“Actually you can't realize until it happens,” Ntilikina stated after shaking Adam Silver’s hand. “Like I've been actually playing my season with my team back in France, and when the last game, the fourth game with my team ended, like I just thought to realize I was getting drafted in two days, you know. More and more the emotion started to come into my head and into my body, and when I heard my name, it was just great. It was just a blessing. It was actually a lot of motivation to me to go in the gym and work harder. So I think you can't even realize how it will be to hear your name."The 6’5” French basketball prodigy is playing professional ball overseas but he will call New York in the near future.  Ntilikina possesses serious potential with a long wingspan, athletic abilities, and a defensive approach to the game.  “Like I said first, I think great defender, willing to defend, willing to play hard, and to give intensity to the team and the offense. Like I'm a team player. I always try to give the best to the team no matter what happens. To me the most important thing is to get the win. I like to shoot it, to pass it, and then play pick-and-roll,” Ntilikina explained.At 2 AM, Ntilkina will jump on a plane back to France but the first step to his NBA career is in the books.  New York grabbed the point guard of the future and another piece of the puzzle for the franchise.

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Knicks Select Frank Ntilikina with the No. 8 Overall Pick in 2017

The PathLuke Kennard earned a spot as a top 25 recruit while playing high school basketball in Ohio.  In fact, he was named the 2015 Parade National Player of the Year and a 2015 McDonald’s All-American.  Kennard averaged 11.8 points as a freshman before increasing his output by eight points per game last season.  He also averaged 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists in the midst of a first team All-ACC campaign.  Kennard decided to forego his final two seasons at Duke and enter his name in the 2017 NBA Draft.

StrengthsKennard is a crafty ball handler that seems to make all the right decisions.  Basketball IQ is a key strength for this 21-year old and his two seasons in Durham were proof of that claim.  Solid shooting mechanics to go along with a quick release and precise footwork provides the tools for Kennard’s impressive jumper.  He’s also adept at working off screens to get to ideal locations on the floor.  

Next LevelTeams will want to see defensive improvement from Kennard but he remains a top 15 player in the most recent mock drafts.  His size and weight are on par with the prototypical shooting guards in the NBA.  Additionally, NBA teams might be attracted by Kennard’s stellar numbers while competing against high level completion and under the wing of a legendary head coach at Duke.

Statistically SpeakingKennard’s Offensive Rating: 130.6  What They’re Saying “Kennard possesses outstanding scoring instincts from all over the court, but his advantage on offense with his elite-level shot-making ability.” -- DraftExpress

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NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Luke Kennard

The PathIke Anigbogu is a California native that opted to remain in California to start his college basketball career.  Considered a top-50 recruit, Anigbogu signed with UCLA as part of a highly touted class.  After missing the first five games due to a knee surgery, Anigbogu returned to help the Bruins win 31 games and reach the NCAA Sweet Sixteen.

StrengthsThe numbers will not jump off the page when examining Anigbogu’s season at UCLA.  However, this 18-year old already has the physical tools to battle the big men in the NBA.  He has a strong frame and a 7’6” wingspan.  From a defensive standpoint, Anigbogu can swat shots around the rim or present fear to the opposition when attempting to drive to the rim.  While his game is fairly raw, Anigbogu can rise high for alley-oops off pick-and-roll sets.

Next LevelThe sample size is extremely small for Anigbogu.  He only averaged 13 minutes per game at UCLA but his Per40 numbers are eye-opening.  The big man averaged 14.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks Per40.  An NBA team that drafts Anigbogu will have to believe these numbers will translate with increased minutes at the next level.  Mock drafts target Anigbogu between 17-20.

What They’re Saying “His build, athleticism and comfort under the rim were impressive in limited playing time, and he has serious potential as a shot blocker and force anchoring the paint. His length and timing are off the charts.” Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated

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