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Knicks Rumors: Dennis Smith on radar for 2017 NBA Draft

By Kenneth Teape

Jan 4, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) reacts after a basket during the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at PNC Arena. The Wolfpack won 104-78. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) reacts after a basket during the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at PNC Arena. The Wolfpack won 104-78. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks Rumors: NC State point guard Dennis Smith is reportedly on the Knicks radar for the 2017 NBA Draft.

There are going to be plenty of New York Knicks rumors popping up in the coming weeks. With the 2017 NBA Draft quickly approaching there will be a lot of chatter about who teams are going to select. The Knicks are one of the teams will be keeping an eye on as they hold the eighth pick in the draft.

The Knicks have some glaring needs on their roster. Arguably the biggest is at point guard. The Knicks do not have a pure point guard currently on the roster. Derrick Rose is set to become a free agent, leaving Chasson Randle and Ron Baker, more of combo guards, as the only players capable of playing point guard on the roster.

The Knicks would love to add a young point guard on the same career arc as Kristaps Porzingis. New York needs to begin adding pieces around Porzingis to build for the future. They are hoping the 2017 NBA Draft gives them that opportunity.

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Luckily for the Knicks, this year’s draft class is a deep one, especially in the backcourt. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if half of the first 10 picks were point guards. Washington’s Markelle Fultz and UCLA’s Lonzo Ball are expected to be the first two picks. Kentucky’s De’Aaron Fox and international point guard Frank Ntilikana are also highly rated, along with NC State’s Dennis Smith.

All five have a case to go within the top-five of the draft, but that is unlikely to happen. The Knicks are hoping that at least one of them will fall to them at the eighth pick. Unless something drastic occurs, Fultz and Ball aren’t going to be there. It is unlikely that Fox is as well. That could potentially leave the Knicks deciding between Smith and Ntilikana.

Both would be excellent additions for the Knicks. In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Chad Ford has the Knicks selecting Smith. There are people within the organization that also like Ntilikana, with Fox and his teammate, Malik Monk, reportedly being the top three targets for the Knicks.

Ford may have been onto something by mocking Smith to the Knicks. According to ESPN New York’s Ian Begley, the Knicks have Smith on their radar heading into the draft process. Begley reports that representatives for the Knicks and Smith were in touch earlier this week to discuss scheduling a pre-draft workout.

There is no workout yet scheduled, but contact has been made. This should come as no surprise, as the Knicks want to add talent in the backcourt or on the wing according to President Phil Jackson. The Knicks should be set in the front court with Willy Hernangomez, Kyle O’Quinn, and Marshall Plumlee filling in for the suspended Joakim Noah; there is also a chance they try Porzingis at center again at some point.

Next: New York Knicks: 5 Greatest Point Guards Of All-Time

Finding a young point guard to help set them up should be atop the Knicks to-do list this offseason. They have a good chance of accomplishing that goal in the 2017 NBA Draft. If things do not fall in the Knicks favor, they will have to look later in the draft or free agency to find a point guard.

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