New York Knicks need to avoid drafting Luke Kennard

Luke Kennard continued to improve while in college, but his overall skill-set may not be enough at the NBA level, especially with the New York Knicks.

The New York Knicks are in the market for scoring and impact players that can help transform a team that struggled throughout the 2016-17 season.

The possible parting of ways with perennial NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony opens up the opportunity to add a young, offensive-minded talent in this month’s draft. Duke sharp-shooting guard Luke Kennard’s name has recently risen on many mock draft boards, including the Knicks’.

Kennard was added to the Knicks’ list of NBA Draft prospects to workout privately for the team, prompting speculation that he may be in the conversation for the No. 8 selection. The 21-year-old Duke star carried much of the offensive load for the team putting up an impressive 19.5 points per game while grabbing 5.1 rebounds a contest.

The most impressive component of Kennard’s season was his accuracy from long distance, as Kennard knocked down 43.8 percent of his three-point attempts during his last year with the Blue Devils.

The Knicks may have a desire for instant offense but is the Franklin, Ohio native truly worth the risk? The sharp shooting is one thing, but his all-around game needs work to succeed at basketball’s highest level. Kennard is not at all a threat athletically and could become a defensive liability against the quicker guards and small forwards he will be matched up against.

Jonathan Givony of Draft Express broke down Kennard’s disadvantages defensively and how it will affect him playing against great talent in the NBA.

"“The biggest question marks NBA people have about Kennard undoubtedly revolve around his defense. He has an unappealing combination of short arms, average lateral quickness and a just-decent frame that already puts him at a significant disadvantage right off the bat.”"

The Knicks are a team in need of stoppers on defense as well as scoring, and it would be in their best interest to draft someone a little more well-rounded. Kennard provides a strong plus offensively but his risk factor defensively can make him way too much of a problem to keep on the floor during crunch time.

Playing either shooting guard or small forward, the matchups in the NBA will be challenging and comparisons to a player like Klay Thompson of the NBA champion Golden State Warriors are clearly one-sided just from an offensive stand point. Thompson is an elite on-ball defender, constantly guarding the other team’s best player while contributing over 20 points per game.

Wake Forest power forward John Collins gave his thoughts recently to reporters on Kennard constantly facing him in the ACC as an opponent.

"“That guy can score at all levels, He can get to the cup. Obviously he’s a hell of a shooter, midrange game. He has a little handle to him and when he gets hot, he gets hot. The goal is to put pressure on him. Make him take tough shots. Obviously he’s going to hit some tough shots, but those shots are livable, you can live with those shots, but make sure he can’t get going, can’t get open and get into a rhythm. That’s the big thing.”"

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In all fairness, Kennard is a hard worker and will continue to improve, but in New York’s case, he just isn’t the right fit at their position. It would be a detriment to the franchise and Kennard’s development if he is indeed chosen at No. 8 overall.