5. Malcolm Hill, SF, Illinois
2017 statistics: 17.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.9 APG
The great thing about picking at this spot for the Knicks are the ideas that can be possibly executed with certain players. Malcolm Hill from Illinois has played every position for the fighting Illini when called upon and delivered all four years.
Hill finished his four-year collegiate career at Illinois with the third-most points produced in Big 10 history. His great all-around game measured well among the conference’s leaderboard, as he ranked third in points per game, sixth in free throw percentage and ninth in field goal percentage, rebounds per game and steals. A true all-around player currently slated at the small forward position could see plenty of time in a variety of positions and remain valuable with his ability to produce on the court.
In a recent interview, Hill discussed his current draft spot projection and the amount of focus he had during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.
"“I didn’t even test the process last year so some people are going to have experience but this is going to be my first time, I think the biggest thing I’m going to take away from this is just to have fun because not everybody gets a chance to do this. A lot of people wish they were in my position so I’m just grateful to be in this position.”"
Hill’s humble nature would be refreshing in the Knicks locker room to go along with his potent scoring ability. This could be a very nice find late in the draft assuming he’s still around at No. 58 overall.