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New York Knicks: 5 options for pick No. 44 in 2017 NBA Draft

By Ed Easton Jr.

Feb 22, 2017; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) takes the ball for a foul shot against the Butler Bulldogs during the second half at The Pavilion. Butler won 74-66. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2017; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) takes the ball for a foul shot against the Butler Bulldogs during the second half at The Pavilion. Butler won 74-66. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) works around New Mexico State Aggies guard Matt Taylor (24) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) works around New Mexico State Aggies guard Matt Taylor (24) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Johnathan Motley, PF, Baylor

2017 statistics:  17.3 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.3 APG

If you’re looking for a big man, why not start with a beastly power forward from Baylor named Jonathan Motley? A tenacious rebounder and low post scorer, Motley was the central factor behind Baylor’s success the past few seasons.

At 6’9″, 230 pounds, Motley is a decent build for the NBA power forward position and his active body can cause problems for opponents on the glass similar, to Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets.

Motley’s efficient per 40 minute averages of 22.4 points, 12.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks earned him First-Team All-Conference honors in the Big 12. His 7’4″ wingspan makes up for most of his raw offensive skill that will require plenty of work and attention from NBA coaching staffs.

Motley is also recovering from a torn meniscus he suffered in Baylor’s season-ending loss, causing some concern heading into draft night. The red shirt junior would have probably been a sure late first round pick before the injury, but now is possibly in play for New York at this spot.

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