Knicks Reportedly Love Miami’s Shane Larkin

With the New York Knicks holding the No. 24 pick in June’s NBA Draft, many expect the franchise to target their point guard of the future.

That man very well could be Miami’s Shane Larkin.

According to Joe Kotoch of SheridanHoops.com, the Knicks love the idea of potentially drafting Larkin should he fall to them in the first round.

The son of MLB Hall of Famer Barry Larkin had a breakout year in leading the Hurricanes to an ACC Championship. The sophomore averaged 14.5 points, 4.8 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game and single handily carried the Canes to their best season in quite some time. He also put up very respectable shooting numbers, knocking down 47.9 percent of his shots from the floor and 40.6 of his attempts from behind the arc.

He continued opening eyes at the NBA Combine in Chicago when he recorded a 44-inch vertical leap — a combine record.

If a guy like Larkin falls to the Knicks at No. 24 it would be a gift.

With Jason Kidd at 40 and Pablo Prigioni at 35, the pick would make perfect sense.

The Knicks need a good young quick point guard who can handle himself at both ends of the floor, something Raymond Felton cannot. In Larkin, the Knicks would be getting a dynamic young point guard with plenty of upside and a guy who could become a perfect complement for Felton in the short-term.

What the Knicks need is a guy who can push the pace when needed, which may be Larkin’s biggest strength.

Offensively, defenders have no idea how to guard him as he can pull up from NBA range or drive right by you. He is so smooth and shoots the ball with such ease coming off the dribble. He’s outstanding in the pick-and-roll and is very balanced in terms of scoring. He is also a very creative passer with excellent vision.

At 5’11″, size will obviously be one of his biggest issues, but he does have a very quick release on his jump shot. Larkin is just as good of a shooter spotting up as he is off the bounce and has the basketball IQ to move without the ball in his hands as well.

Defensively will present the biggest obstacles for Larkin as he is neither tall nor strong. He is a very smart defender though and will have to use those smarts to have success in the NBA.

Larkin has all the upside in the world and could become a very good BA point guard within time. In the short-term though he could provide a spark off the bench for the Knicks.

At No. 24 he could be the best guard left on the board and if he is available for the Knicks, they may be foolish to pass on him.


(bucketsbroadway.com)