The 2017 draft is important for the New York Knicks. According to Ian Begley of ESPN, the team has two high-profile guards on their radar.
The New York Knicks are approaching an important draft for the future of the franchise. Phil Jackson and his staff will likely use their top-10 pick on a guard. With the possible departure of Derrick Rose via free agency, the Knicks will again be looking to fill the point guard spot and apparently they already have a couple in mind.
Ian Begley of ESPN reported the team already has a couple of high-profile names on their radar.
Some players on the Knicks’ radar at the moment include French guard Frank Ntilikina and Kentucky’s Malik Monk, per sources.
Frank Ntilikina will be intriguing because of New York’s recent history of success with International prospects Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez.
Ntilikina, 18, has shown potential to be an incredible passer at the next level and a lockdown defender. If the French prospect continues to improve as a shooter, he will be can be a two-way star at the next level.
Malik Monk is the anti-Frank. While Ntilikina is a pass-first point guard who rarely puts shots up, Monk is a volume shooter. The Kentucky star is in the top-20 in the country in field goal attempts.
The 19-year-old averages nearly 15 shots per game (14.9) and nearly seven threes per game (6.9) but converts from downtown at a blistering 39.3 percent rate. He may not fit into the triangle perfectly, but Monk will give the Knicks some needed shooting help in their backcourt.
The 19-year-old isn’t afraid of the big moment either. He’s been a clutch player for the Wildcats coming up with huge games against big time opponents. Like his 47 point game against North Carolina and 33 point game against Florida.
