In an offseason of uncertainty for the New York Knicks, they have brought in their latest potential recruit from Indiana.
The New York Knicks have two picks in the second round. They have brought in several prospects over the past few weeks of guys that can possibly fill those open slots.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN, the New York Knicks brought in James Blackmon Jr for a workout last Monday.
The Knicks had Indiana's James Blackmon Jr. in for a workout last week: https://t.co/vcv1uzJgkZ
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 16, 2017
Blackmon Jr. is a shooting guard from Indiana University who is coming off a strong junior year. In 30 games he averaged 17 points per contest, as well as 1.9 assists and 4.8 rebounds.
The NBA has evolved into a league where three-point shooting is everything. Blackmon Jr.’s biggest strength is just that. He shot 42 percent from behind the arc last season.
STOCK ALERT!!!! @JBlackmon2 is biggest sleeper in the Draft… the dude is a machine and BEST SHOOTER IN DRAFT!!!#NBAdraft #CBA pic.twitter.com/5OAC9MdOEu
— CoachBarsh (@CoachRjayBarsh) June 7, 2017
He has a nice shooting stroke and can knock down shots from deep range. Also, he has a high release point on his shot, which helps him get off his shot even if a defender is giving him little room to shoot. The quick release on his shots also serves as a major benefit to his type of play.
Furthermore, he is exceptional with a pull-up jump shot. That makes him a threat in a pick and roll situation.
Blackmon Jr. is undersized for shooting guard by NBA standards. He is only 6’3″, which is more of a point guard size, but he has a wingspan of 6’8″. The long wingspan certainly helps him step up his game for a player of small stature.
The Knicks are looking to deepen the guard position for their roster. Blackmon Jr. could be a solid option for them in the second round. He could be someone that can come off the bench and provide some accurate three-point shooting and help stretch the floor.
According to DraftExpress, Blackmon Jr. is ranked 83rd in the top 100 prospect list.