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New York Knicks: 5 options for pick No. 8 in 2017 NBA Draft

By Ed Easton Jr.

Feb 18, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) catches a pass in front of Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Rex Pflueger (0) during the first half at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) catches a pass in front of Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Rex Pflueger (0) during the first half at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) drives against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (left) in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

5. De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky

2017 statistics:  16.7 PPG, 4.6 APG, 4.0. RPG

The possibilities at point guard on the Knicks’ dream list start with the point guard from Kentucky who lit up the SEC all season. De’Aaron Fox fills many needs for New York, but may actually be out of reach due to the team picking eighth. His matchup with Lonzo Ball during the Sweet 16 turned many heads and many scouts now rank him comfortably in the top-five.

Fox gave many Kentucky fans flashbacks to current Washington Wizards All-Star John Wall with his blazing speed and amazing court vision. Playing under Hall of Fame head coach John Calipari, Fox earned First Team All-SEC honors with averages of 16.7 points, 4.6 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game. His ability to break down the defense and create his own shot causes nightmares for opposing defenders playing on or off the basketball.

The worrying factor for Fox — aside from his jump shot — is a pretty obvious one, and it’s his small stature going up against very physical guards in the NBA. At only 6’4″, 171 pounds, it will be a mission for him to get into the weight room and put on muscle. It will also be key to realize that Fox is only 19 years old, so plenty of maturity will have to go into his game before he can become an impact player similar to former Wildcat Wall.

Fox spoke very candidly with reporters last month during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago about the possibility of playing in New York and running the triangle offense.

"“I don’t know too much about the triangle. Everyone says it’s hard to learn. But if I have to go in there and have to play in it, I’ll learn quickly. And Porzingis, he’s amazing. Watching him, what he did this year — I really paid attention to the NBA this year because I’m about to go into this business — man, he’s great. If I’m able to play with him, I feel we can do something special.”"

This pick may seem to be out of reach for New York, but you never know with the unpredictability of the NBA Draft. Fox in a Knicks uniform throwing lobs to Kristaps Porzingis might be a great connection one day.

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