2. Dennis Smith Jr. (North Carolina State, PG, 6’3″, Freshman)
Dennis Smith Jr. is the quintessential point guard in the modern NBA. He uses a quick first step and good ball-handling skills to get to the rim easily. He is a good finisher in the paint using his freakish athleticism, and speed in transition. Smith is great at reading and reacting, especially off pick and rolls. He is exceptional at drawing contact on his drives while also being a very willing passer.
He can finish craftily with either hand, but his jump shot is a work in progress. Defensively, he moves well laterally and has quick hands that could lead to racking up in the steals column. His high turnover rate is questionable for a ball-dominant lead guard. Smith also tends to produce unevenly although he showed up big in big moments. For example, he posted 32 points 6 assists in the upset over Duke.
Derrick Rose contract expires at the end of the season and the Knicks could look to replace him with a comparable player if Smith is still on the board.
