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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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3. Anzejs Pasecniks, C, Latvia

2017 statistics:  N/A

Anzejs Pasecniks’ name is quickly rising up the NBA draft boards very similar to his fellow Latvian countryman before him, Kristaps Porzingis. Pasecniks brings great size and mobility to the center position, drawing plenty of comparisons to Porzingis in regard to unexpected athleticism.

Pasecniks posted modest averages of 7.2 points and 3.0 rebounds in 46 appearances with Gran Canaria in Europe this season. At 21 years old, he has plenty of potential but many experts believe he will be more of a project and could be drafted without actually joining the team for a year or two.

Teams will be lining up to take him for the draft-and-stash possibilities and if the Knicks are not planning to play him much this upcoming season, it may not be a bad deal moving forward with Joakim Noah and Willy Hernangomez.

ESPN’s international player expert Fran Fraschilla spoke to the New York Post last month regarding Pasecniks’ potential, even making a comparison to Porzingis.

"“He’s a late bloomer. He’s coming on. He’s going to sneak into the first [round]. He’s not as athletic as Porzingis, but he’s just more of a late bloomer than Porzingis. He’s coming on quick, he’s going to play himself into the first round. He’s a reasonably good athlete for 7’2″, he can run and jump.”"

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