Knicks Draft 17

Jonah Ballow

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Gallery: Behind the Scenes at the 2017 NBA Draft

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 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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NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Ike Anigbogu

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2017 NBA Draft: Media Availability and Portraits

The PathThe North Carolina native remained in his home state for high school where he built a significant resume and an eventual spot in the top ten in national recruiting services.  Dennis Smith was named North Carolina’s Gatorade Player of the Year in 2015 before heading to North Carolina State.  In 2016-17, Smith averaged 18.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game and received ACC Rookie of the Year honors.  His personal achievements at North Carolina State led to Smith bouncing from the college ranks to entering his name in the 2017 NBA Draft.

StrengthsThe 19-year old owns an NBA-ready frame with the strength, speed, and explosiveness that NBA scouts seek when examining prospects.  Smith is devastating in the open floor due to his extreme burst and an ability to launch for highlight reel jams.  Not only is Smith powerful in traffic but he is shifty with a nice change of pace game as the primary ball handler.  The point guard shot 35.9 percent from the 3-point line on 4.8 attempts per game.  The number that really jumps off the page is free throw attempts at 6.3 per game.  For a 6’3” point guard, Smith attacks the rim as evident in the high-volume trips to the charity stripe.  He can heat up quickly and generate offensive in rapid fashion.  Defensively, Smith shows the potential to lock-up his opposition in isolation situations.

Next LevelThe common thought with Smith is that he will thrive in the NBA with high-level talent around him.  Evaluating his one season at North Carolina State is difficult in that regard.  However, his production and physical attributes are extremely enticing for teams drafting from picks 7-11.  Currently, Smith is a player projected in the area where the Knicks select at No. 8.  As Phil Jackson mentioned following the Lottery, New York is searching for a point guard this summer.  Smith’s playmaking skills are certainly attractive and he might eventually become the best point man in a top-heavy point guard class.

Statistically Speaking Smith is the only player in ACC history to post two triple-doubles while facing league opponents in an entire college career.

What They’re Saying “Smith might be the best one-on-one scorer in this draft — he was absolutely dominant efficiency-wise in isolation situations this season, and is built to attack the basket, draw fouls and help shoulder somebody’s offense.” –Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated