2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 21: Malik Monk to the Sixers

By Chris Stone | Mar 30, 2017

Mar 17, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) brings the ball up court against the Northern Kentucky Norse during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 7, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers guard Avry Holmes (12) defends North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) during the first half during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Learn more about Dennis Smith Jr. at The Step Back.

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Dennis Smith Jr.

PG, North Carolina St.

The New York Knicks are in need of a point guard and they are slowly working themselves into position to snag a good one. Dennis Smith Jr. is not Markelle Fultz or Lonzo Ball, but he does have the potential to be an excellent lead guard in the NBA.

At 6-foot-3, Smith averaged 20.8 points, 7.1 assists and 5.2 rebounds per 40 minutes this season on a 56.3 true shooting percentage. He has a quick first step and excellent vertical explosiveness allowing him to beat defenders off the dribble and finish thunderous slams at the rim. Smith also made 35.9 percent of his 3-point attempts this season and is a better passer than most would give him credit for, finishing the season with a 34.2 percent assist rate. If Smith can improve his 3-point percentage a bit, he’ll be a well-rounded, dangerous offensive piece.

Smith has some failings on the defensive end where his size will prevent him from being switchable and his effort can prevent him from being effective. Still, the 19-year old manages to snag 2.2 steals per 40 minutes due to his quick hands and instincts for jumping into passing lanes. That may ultimately be enough to make him a serviceable NBA defender.

Learn more about Dennis Smith Jr. at The Step Back.