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2017 NBA Mock Draft: The final predictions

By Chris Stone

Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 18: Phil Jackson looks on during his introductory press conference as President of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 18, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
Learn more about Frank Ntilikina at The Step Back." >
8

Frank Ntilikina

PG, Strasbourg

Strasbourg point guard Frank Ntilikina appears to have plenty of suitors here at the back of the top 10 with rumors linking him to both the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks. Unless the Mavericks make a trade to move ahead of the Knicks, it looks like his landing spot could be in the Big Apple.

Ntilikina has some questions about his ability to run the point guard spot full time, but those concerns are largely mitigated by the Knicks’ supposed commitment to the triangle offense. He wouldn’t be asked to create offense on his own as often as he might in other places. Plus, the chance that he could add strength and athleticism could render that worry moot for other reasons. Ntilikina has already shown he has a decent handle and can shoot it pretty well from outside. He’s also got plenty of defensive potential as a 6-foot-5 guard with a 6-foot-10 wingspan.

There are a few other options for the Knicks here as well. Kentucky’s Malik Monk would bring plenty of excitement and scoring to Madison Square Garden, but he might get pigeonholed as a point guard option when he’s not one. North Carolina State’s Dennis Smith Jr. is the other point guard on the board, but Ntilikina may be a better fit for the team’s plans.

Learn more about Frank Ntilikina at The Step Back.