2017 NBA draft grades: Knicks address backcourt needs with Frank Ntilikina​

How will the Knicks use their picks in the 2017 NBA draft? We’re breaking down every selection below.

The New York Knicks finished the 2016–17 season in the bottom quadrant of the league with a 31–51 record. Defensive woes plagued the team in a largely dysfunctional year, and Carmelo Anthony's future remains up in the air. The draft will be the start to what should be an interesting summer ahead.

One of the biggest needs is at point guard, which the team could potentially try to solve in the draft. The Knicks had no selections in last year's draft, but the 2015 draft saw them take Kristaps Porzingis with the No. 4 overall pick. Porzingis has been rumored to be on the trade block. 

Here's the full list of picks the Knicks hold in the 2017 draft, which will be updated with grades and analysis as each selection is made.

2017 NBA Draft Grades: Pick-By-Pick Analysis

Round 1, Pick 8 (No. 8 overall): Frank Ntilikina​, PG, France

There was a lot of talk about the Knicks’ affection for Ntilikina, who’s considered the top overseas prospect in this draft and now the highest-drafted French player in league history. New York needed to address its backcourt and did so here, although high-scoring and arguably stronger options Dennis Smith and Malik Monk were available. The Knicks have had a strong run drafting internationally in recent years, so they’ve earned a bit of trust, but the 18-year-old Ntilikina has a long way to go and will face a lot of pressure immediately. At the very least, fans can take solace in the fact Kristaps Porzingis appears to be staying put. — Jeremy Woo

GRADE: B

Round 2, Pick 14 (No. 44 overall): Damyean Dotson, SG, Houston

Round 2, Pick 28 (No. 58 overall): Ognjen Jaramaz​, PG, Serbia