2017 NBA Draft: Which selections were the biggest surprises in the lottery?

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Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Frank Ntilikina of France holds up a team jersey after being introduced as the number eight overall pick to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Frank Ntilinka, International

The New York Knicks selected Frank Ntilinka with the eighth overall pick. This was not really a shocker as most mock drafts, including ESPN’s Chad Ford, had the Knicks taking the French point guard. While it is really hard to argue the Knicks going with a point guard (a position of need), I thought Malik Monk was a better pick for the Knicks.

New York needs shooting and Monk was the best scorer in this year’s draft class. Monk is also an elite athlete with long-bombing range ability. The 6’3″ combo guard went 11th overall to Charlotte.

Ntilinka is a long-term project with upside. He is a pass-first point guard who is quick and a good defender. According to ESPN analytics there is a 59.1% chance that 6’5, 190 pounder will be a bust.

Ntilinka would have been a value pick at 12th or later.

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