Knecht a lottery pick?

[volnbama_]

I'm not an NBA follower so maybe someone can answer this question. Why do they draft 19 year old development guys like Keon that will hit free agency by the time they develop if they do at all? Wouldn't an older guy like Knecht make more sense?

It’s a star driven league so if one of the high potential picks hits, you have a cornerstone franchise piece. Once you get past the lottery it becomes a crapshoot so some teams like to swing for the fences

 

[n_huffhines]

Now that I've watched Knecht play about 12 games, I'd say it's pretty safe to say he's not going to be doing much shot creation in the NBA. He's just not very good at forcing scoring. He seems uncomfortable, and he's not a good enough finisher (good, just not great) around the rim. It's funny because I watch him, and I think he's having an off game, and then I look at the box score, and he's 9 for 19 with 27 points. He's kind of a quiet scorer.

He had 22 points and I think 4 dunks yesterday, and it was still a quiet game. He's much more reliant on off-ball play than I initially thought, but I actually believe that is better for his NBA future. Even if he was this big time college shot creator, I'd be skeptical he can do it in the NBA.

 

[posivol]

top 10 pick

 

[EZE]

It's not crazy that he would fall out of the 1st. I would never draft him, personally. In the NBA, I wanna run and I wanna spread you out. He doesn't do either.

You have to be able to run effective half court sets in the NBA. And Knecht can shoot from the outside and take it to the rack…both necessary skills in the modern NBA.

Now, how his skills will translate against much stronger professional competition is the question that I don’t have the capability to answer. But, those skills play very well against the highest level of college competition.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Now that I've watched Knecht play about 12 games, I'd say it's pretty safe to say he's not going to be doing much shot creation in the NBA. He's just not very good at forcing scoring. He seems uncomfortable, and he's not a good enough finisher (good, just not great) around the rim. It's funny because I watch him, and I think he's having an off game, and then I look at the box score, and he's 9 for 19 with 27 points. He's kind of a quiet scorer.

He had 22 points and I think 4 dunks yesterday, and it was still a quiet game. He's much more reliant on off-ball play than I initially thought, but I actually believe that is better for his NBA future. Even if he was this big time college shot creator, I'd be skeptical he can do it in the NBA.

I’m not totally in agreement that he can’t create and finish around the rim. Last night was actually a perfect example of his ability to do just that. I thought he did an exceptional job of attacking the basket and using his athleticism to blow by defenders and finish. I mean he was taking off from the free throw line and finishing at the basket, and he did this because he knew his outside shot wasn’t falling last night so he adjusted to the game and got most of his points in the paint.

We can agree to disagree, but I actually think he is perfectly fine at scoring at the basket and is more than just an outside perimeter threat.

 

[n_huffhines]

You have to be able to run effective half court sets in the NBA. And Knecht can shoot from the outside and take it to the rack…both necessary skills in the modern NBA.

Now, how his skills will translate against much stronger professional competition is the question that I don’t have the capability to answer. But, those skills play very well against the highest level of college competition.

He's definitely a good enough shooter, he works hard off ball, and he's got enough skills to attack closeouts. He's definitely got enough offensive game to be a good rotation player in the NBA. If you can be a guy who can score 20 pts off 20 dribbles, there is huge value in that. Knecht has that type of game.

However, defense is always a question. If he's a B on offense and a turnstile on defense, he's gonna have trouble getting playing time. I feel like Knecht's defense has gotten better this season. Another thing...NBA defensive concepts are pretty complicated but that can actually be good for Knecht. If you know how to play switches and when to help, when to blitz, etc. with a high IQ, you can compensate for a lack of foot speed just by reading the play faster than other guys. If Knecht learns the schemes and knows where to be, with his big body, he'll have defensive value, too.

 

[CAVPUT]

A lot of mock drafts seem to think so. He's really moved up the boards.

Going 6th here...

NBA Mock Draft - NBADraft.net

Specializing in drafts with top players on the NBA horizon, player profiles, scouting reports, rankings and prospective international recruits.

www.nbadraft.net

13th here

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10106476-2024-nba-mock-draft-latest-2-round-predictions-pro-comparisons

8th here

2024 NBA Mock Draft - NBA Draft Room

The 2024 NBA Draft will take place over the course of two days, June 26-27, 2024. Alexandre Sarr and Nikola Topic are favorites to go no.1

nbadraftroom.com

Outside of the lottery but still in the top 20

15th here

The Ringer's 2024 NBA Mock Draft

Who will go no. 1 this year? The race couldn't be more open. We rank the top prospects in this year’s class and unveil our latest mock draft.

nbadraft.theringer.com

19th here

2024 NBA first-round mock draft

The first edition of the 2024 mock draft will feature the first round, with every pick being compared to a current or recent NBA player. As the season progresses, there will be updates and added analysis based on how the prospects fare the rest of the season.

www.yardbarker.com

19th here

2024 NBA Mock Draft with Lottery Simulator | Tankathon

Live updating 2024 NBA Mock Draft with lottery simulator and traded picks. Draft order and selections based on team needs are updated after every NBA game.

www.tankathon.com

First round, yep. Think his age will keep him out of the lottery.

 

[JelloPuddinPup]

I see him out of the lottery but still a decent take in the 1st round. A Duncan Robinson type role if he evolves more as a ball handler (and that just means he needs to be credible with the ball in his hands, not point-godlike).

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

He's definitely a good enough shooter, he works hard off ball, and he's got enough skills to attack closeouts. He's definitely got enough offensive game to be a good rotation player in the NBA. If you can be a guy who can score 20 pts off 20 dribbles, there is huge value in that. Knecht has that type of game.

However, defense is always a question. If he's a B on offense and a turnstile on defense, he's gonna have trouble getting playing time. I feel like Knecht's defense has gotten better this season. Another thing...NBA defensive concepts are pretty complicated but that can actually be good for Knecht. If you know how to play switches and when to help, when to blitz, etc. with a high IQ, you can compensate for a lack of foot speed just by reading the play faster than other guys. If Knecht learns the schemes and knows where to be, with his big body, he'll have defensive value, too.

The main reason he wanted to transfer to UT and learn under Barnes

 

[Ttucke11]

I see him out of the lottery but still a decent take in the 1st round. A Duncan Robinson type role if he evolves more as a ball handler (and that just means he needs to be credible with the ball in his hands, not point-godlike).

He's much more athletic and significantly better at the rim than Robinson. Also a better shot creator. Duncan is elite at spotting up though.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

He's much more athletic and significantly better at the rim than Robinson. Also a better shot creator. Duncan is elite at spotting up though.

I think a lot of people just can’t accept that if Knecht was 1-2 years younger in this draft, he’s a sure fire Top 5 pick. His age is going to make his ceiling 6-10, but I would say it’s more likely he goes 11-15. His talent is undeniable though, and watching his progression throughout the year on defense and with his driving ability has been fun. He’s so much better on both ends now than in November, which should be an indicator to NBA scouts that he isn’t a finished product like age concerns would warrant.

 

[Ttucke11]

I think a lot of people just can’t accept that if Knecht was 1-2 years younger in this draft, he’s a sure fire Top 5 pick. His age is going to make his ceiling 6-10, but I would say it’s more likely he goes 11-15. His talent is undeniable though, and watching his progression throughout the year on defense and with his driving ability has been fun. He’s so much better on both ends now than in November, which should be an indicator to NBA scouts that he isn’t a finished product like age concerns would warrant.

I agree. And the comps to other white dudes is off imo and creating a bias against his athleticism. Dude is getting inbound oops called for him and dunking from a step or two inside the FT line. Top of my head I'd say Tim Hardaway Jr as a baseline.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

I agree. And the comps to other white dudes is off imo and creating a bias against his athleticism. Dude is getting inbound oops called for him and dunking from a step or two inside the FT line. Top of my head I'd say Tim Hardaway Jr as a baseline.

He's better than Hardaway was at 22, but an appropriate analogy imo

 

[CagleMtnVol]

Saw a projection earlier today that had Knecht going 7th to the Grizzlies

 

[EZE]

He's definitely a good enough shooter, he works hard off ball, and he's got enough skills to attack closeouts. He's definitely got enough offensive game to be a good rotation player in the NBA. If you can be a guy who can score 20 pts off 20 dribbles, there is huge value in that. Knecht has that type of game.

However, defense is always a question. If he's a B on offense and a turnstile on defense, he's gonna have trouble getting playing time. I feel like Knecht's defense has gotten better this season. Another thing...NBA defensive concepts are pretty complicated but that can actually be good for Knecht. If you know how to play switches and when to help, when to blitz, etc. with a high IQ, you can compensate for a lack of foot speed just by reading the play faster than other guys. If Knecht learns the schemes and knows where to be, with his big body, he'll have defensive value, too.

He should watch Grant play defense in the NBA. Grant isn’t going to win many athleticism competitions against NBA players, either, but he’s made himself into an asset on defense…especially with his ability to switch off screens.

They are both listed at 6-6. Knecht obviously is more athletic, but also would draw more athletic players as his initial assignment.

All I really know is that I’ll be rooting for both of them.

 

[pimo1]

I think a lot of people just can’t accept that if Knecht was 1-2 years younger in this draft, he’s a sure fire Top 5 pick. His age is going to make his ceiling 6-10, but I would say it’s more likely he goes 11-15. His talent is undeniable though, and watching his progression throughout the year on defense and with his driving ability has been fun. He’s so much better on both ends now than in November, which should be an indicator to NBA scouts that he isn’t a finished product like age concerns would warrant.

I think this is the part people are sleeping on most. If he was a true freshman or sophomore this conversation is very very different but he is a 5th year SR. 4th year Seniors rarely get drafted in the first round much less the lottery. The Seniors that do go in the first round are usually great all-around players. Kneckt is not a great all-around player he is a good all-around player. I do not think there is a single thing he is bad at but the things he is great at is a short list. He is a great off-ball scorer, end of list. Can he get to the basket in college yup. Can he create his own shots, ehhhh? Is he a decent and wiling defender? He is showing that can be a thing. He projects as some have pointed out a Duncan Robinson+ type of player those guys don't go in the lottery the actual Duncan Robinson went undrafted..

If Dalton Knecht was 18 or 19 instead of 22 this is a completely different story. he will be 23 by the time the draft.. just to give some context here are some current NBA players in his age range.

Zion Williamson
Talen Horton-Tucker
Tyrese Maxey
Kevin Porter Jr.
Anthony Edwards
Jalen Green
Jalen Johnson

Dalton is actually older than some of those guys he is like 6 months +/- of them all most of them are on their second contract . Last year in the NBA draft the first non-freshman to be drafted was 14th a sophomore. The first upperclassman was drafted at 18th a senior. Even all the guys from ignite, overseas, OTE would have been freshmen had they went to college. Thompson twins skipped their senior year of high school and played 2 years in OTE. & upperclassmen were taken in the entire first round 4 seniors 3 juniors. A 23-year-old rookie in the NBA is not valued.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Dalton is actually older than some of those guys he is like 6 months +/- of them all most of them are on their second contract . Last year in the NBA draft the first non-freshman to be drafted was 14th a sophomore. The first upperclassman was drafted at 18th a senior. Even all the guys from ignite, overseas, OTE would have been freshmen had they went to college. Thompson twins skipped their senior year of high school and played 2 years in OTE. & upperclassmen were taken in the entire first round 4 seniors 3 juniors. A 23-year-old rookie in the NBA is not valued.

Last year’s draft was incredibly strong and one of the better drafts recently. This is a weak draft class. To your second point that I bolded, that’s a very subjective statement. Knecht isn’t just any 23-year old player. Sure, most 23 year olds wouldn’t be valued, but you can’t lump him in with all 23 year olds. He’s likely the national player of the year this year if not for Zach Edey returning.

I also don’t really feel like debating your earlier points about how Knecht isn’t great at anything. That’s just not true. But I’m not going to change your mind so no need to even discuss that.

 

[Raiford62]

Knecht is a lottery pick. PERIOD. Great player and I have played with some great ones. Larry Finch and Larry Kenon. Larry Kenon was the best player I have played with but I am telling you Dalton Knecht is the real deal.

 

[pimo1]

Last year’s draft was incredibly strong and one of the better drafts recently. This is a weak draft class. To your second point that I bolded, that’s a very subjective statement. Knecht isn’t just any 23-year old player. Sure, most 23 year olds wouldn’t be valued, but you can’t lump him in with all 23 year olds. He’s likely the national player of the year this year if not for Zach Edey returning.

I also don’t really feel like debating your earlier points about how Knecht isn’t great at anything. That’s just not true. But I’m not going to change your mind so no need to even discuss that.

What is he great at? Off-ball scoring is the strength of his game. I did misstate the 'great at nothing' flat out because he is great at that. But that's not that rare a talent in the NBA there are tons of guys like that. Do I think that Knecht can and likely will be a really good NBA player.. YES. He will be a mid-first-round steal for someone. Can he get himself into lottery consideration? Sure if he loses his mind in the SEC tourney and NCAA's. Basketball is a weird sport, If you are over 20 that is where players make their money. You can be 18-19 and average 10 points a game and get drafted first round. I do not think Daltons' basketball abilities are lacking at all I'm saying because of his age he has to be 3x as good as the 19-year-old on the board with him to get drafted ahead of him. I currently think there are at least 14 young and international players ahead of him. There is a lot of season left and his stock is rising. Could a strong run sneak him in at the end of the lottery? sure. Also, it comes down to who gets what pick. Does the team that falls in love with DK have a lottery pick in a position where they don't have a younger guy higher on their board? What type of team does he ever fit on?

I'd love to see him in the Purple and Gold that's a perfect team for him. Or someone like the Bucks. But those teams won't be picking in the lottery in the case of the Lakers not in the first round at all (unless the Pelicans defer). I am looking at likely lottery teams and the only ones where he looks like a clear roster fit (no one is gonna spend a lottery pick on a guy they don't see starting) Spurs? Rockets? Bulls and Maybe Pelicans


Here is a 2 round mock from everyone's most hated site ESPN Its a bit outdated (from January thus they have Knecht in the second round) but the point here is it lists the ages. They only have 1 20 year old in the lottery. They only have 7 guys 22+ being drafted out of 58 1 in the first round.
FIRST ROUND

1. Detroit Pistons

Alex Sarr | Perth Wildcats | PF/C | Age: 18.7

2. San Antonio Spurs

Zaccharie Risacher | JL Bourg | SF | Age: 18.7

3. Washington Wizards

Cody Williams | Colorado | SF | Age: 19.1

4. Portland Trail Blazers

Ja'Kobe Walter | Baylor | SG | Age: 18.7

5. Charlotte Hornets

Nikola Topic | Mega MIS | PG | Age: 18.4

6. Memphis Grizzlies

Tidjane Salaun | Cholet | PF | Age: 18.4

7. Chicago Bulls

Rob Dillingham | Kentucky | PG | Age: 19.0

8. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Utah Jazz)

Kyle Filipowski | Duke | PF/C | Age: 20.1

9. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn Nets)

Isaiah Collier | USC | PG | Age: 19.2

10. Atlanta Hawks

Matas Buzelis | G League Ignite | SF | Age: 18.9

11. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston Rockets)

Ron Holland | G League Ignite | SF | Age: 18.5

12. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto Raptors)

Reed Sheppard | Kentucky | PG/SG | Age: 19.5

13. New Orleans Pelicans (via Los Angeles Lakers)*

Donovan Clingan | UConn | C | Age: 19.8

14. Phoenix Suns

Zach Edey | Purdue | C | Age: 21.6

15. New York Knicks (via Dallas Mavericks)

Stephon Castle | UConn | PG/SG | Age: 19.1

16. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State Warriors)

Ryan Dunn | Virginia | SF | Age: 21.0

17. Orlando Magic

Kevin McCullar Jr. | Kansas | SF | Age: 22.8

18. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento Kings)

Tyler Smith | G League Ignite | SF/PF | Age: 19.1

19. Indiana Pacers

Trevon Brazile | Arkansas | PF | Age: 20.7

20. Miami Heat

Yves Missi | Baylor | C | Age: 19.6

21. New York Knicks

Bobi Klintman | Cairns Taipans | SF/PF | Age: 20.5

22. Cleveland Cavaliers

Juan Nunez | Ratiopharm Ulm | PG | Age: 19.3

23. New Orleans Pelicans

Izan Almansa | G League Ignite | PF/C | Age: 18.5

24. Milwaukee Bucks

Kel'el Ware | Indiana | C | Age: 19.7

25. Philadelphia 76ers

Jared McCain | Duke | PG | Age: 19.8

26. Minnesota Timberwolves

D.J. Wagner | Kentucky | PG/SG | Age: 18.6

27. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers)

Oso Ighodaro | Marquette | PF/C | Age: 21.4

28. Denver Nuggets

Tristan da Silva | Colorado | SF/PF | Age: 22.6

29. Indiana Pacers (via Oklahoma City Thunder)

Melvin Ajinca | Saint Quentin | SG/SF | Age: 19.5

30. Boston Celtics

Baba Miller | Florida St. | PF | Age: 19.9

* The Pelicans can defer the Lakers' first-round pick to 2025

SECOND ROUND

31. Toronto Raptors (via Detroit Pistons)

Justin Edwards | Kentucky | SG/SF | Age: 20.0

32. San Antonio Spurs

Dalton Knecht | Tennessee | SF | Age: 22.6

33. Detroit Pistons (via Washington Wizards)

Tyler Kolek | Marquette | PG | Age: 22.7

34. Milwaukee Bucks (via Portland Trail Blazers)

Adem Bona | UCLA | C | Age: 20.7

35. Portland Trail Blazers (via Charlotte Hornets)

Pelle Larsson | Arizona | SG | Age: 22.8

36. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis Grizzlies)

Carlton Carrington | Pittsburgh | PG/SG | Age: 18.4

37. Boston Celtics (via Chicago Bulls)

Kylan Boswell | Arizona | PG | Age: 18.4

38. New York Knicks (via Utah Jazz)

Keshad Johnson | Arizona | PF | Age: 22.5

39. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn Nets)

Ulrich Chomche | NBA Academy Showcase | PF/C | Age: 18.0

40. Portland Trail Blazers (via Atlanta Hawks)

Aaron Bradshaw | Kentucky | C | Age: 19.5

41. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston Rockets)

Harrison Ingram | North Carolina | SF/PF | Age: 21.1

42. LA Clippers (via Toronto Raptors)

Dillon Jones | Weber State | SF/PF | Age: 21.1

43. San Antonio Spurs (via Los Angeles Lakers)

Devin Carter | Providence | PG/SG | Age: 21.8

44. Washington Wizards (via Phoenix Suns)

Tyrese Proctor | Duke | PG | Age: 19.7

45. Boston Celtics (via Dallas Mavericks)

Jaxson Robinson | BYU | SF/SG | Age: 21.2

46. Houston Rockets (via Golden State Warriors)

Pacome Dadiet | Ratiopharm Ulm | SG/SF | Age: 18.4

47. Orlando Magic

Trey Alexander | Creighton | PG/SG | Age: 20.6

48. Sacramento Kings

Dillon Mitchell | Texas | SF/PF | Age: 20.2

49. Indiana Pacers

Alex Karaban | UConn | PF | Age: 21.1

50. Miami Heat

PJ Hall | Clemson | PF/C | Age: 21.8

51. Philadelphia 76ers (via New York Knicks)

KJ Simpson | Colorado | PG | Age: 21.4

52. LA Clippers (via Cleveland Cavaliers)

AJ Johnson | Illawarra Hawks | SG | Age: 19.1

53. New Orleans Pelicans

Ajay Mitchell | UC Santa Barbara | PG | Age: 21.5

54. Indiana Pacers (via Milwaukee Bucks)

Ariel Hukporti | Melbourne | C | Age: 21.7

55. Minnesota Timberwolves

Baylor Scheierman | Creighton | SG/SF | Age: 23.2

56. Los Angeles Lakers (via LA Clippers)

Mantas Rubstavicius | NZ Breakers | SF | Age: 21.6

57. Houston Rockets (via Oklahoma City Thunder)

Payton Sandfort | Iowa | SF | Age: 21.4

58. Charlotte Hornets (via Boston Celtics)

Kobe Johnson | USC | SG | Age: 20.9

 

[Raiford62]

What is he great at? Off-ball scoring is the strength of his game. I did misstate the 'great at nothing' flat out because he is great at that. But that's not that rare a talent in the NBA there are tons of guys like that. Do I think that Knecht can and likely will be a really good NBA player.. YES. He will be a mid-first-round steal for someone. Can he get himself into lottery consideration? Sure if he loses his mind in the SEC tourney and NCAA's. Basketball is a weird sport, If you are over 20 that is where players make their money. You can be 18-19 and average 10 points a game and get drafted first round. I do not think Daltons' basketball abilities are lacking at all I'm saying because of his age he has to be 3x as good as the 19-year-old on the board with him to get drafted ahead of him. I currently think there are at least 14 young and international players ahead of him. There is a lot of season left and his stock is rising. Could a strong run sneak him in at the end of the lottery? sure. Also, it comes down to who gets what pick. Does the team that falls in love with DK have a lottery pick in a position where they don't have a younger guy higher on their board? What type of team does he ever fit on?

I'd love to see him in the Purple and Gold that's a perfect team for him. Or someone like the Bucks. But those teams won't be picking in the lottery in the case of the Lakers not in the first round at all (unless the Pelicans defer). I am looking at likely lottery teams and the only ones where he looks like a clear roster fit (no one is gonna spend a lottery pick on a guy they don't see starting) Spurs? Rockets? Bulls and Maybe Pelicans


Here is a 2 round mock from everyone's most hated site ESPN Its a bit outdated (from January thus they have Knecht in the second round) but the point here is it lists the ages. They only have 1 20 year old in the lottery. They only have 7 guys 22+ being drafted out of 58 1 in the first round.
FIRST ROUND

1. Detroit Pistons

Alex Sarr | Perth Wildcats | PF/C | Age: 18.7

2. San Antonio Spurs

Zaccharie Risacher | JL Bourg | SF | Age: 18.7

3. Washington Wizards

Cody Williams | Colorado | SF | Age: 19.1

4. Portland Trail Blazers

Ja'Kobe Walter | Baylor | SG | Age: 18.7

5. Charlotte Hornets

Nikola Topic | Mega MIS | PG | Age: 18.4

6. Memphis Grizzlies

Tidjane Salaun | Cholet | PF | Age: 18.4

7. Chicago Bulls

Rob Dillingham | Kentucky | PG | Age: 19.0

8. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Utah Jazz)

Kyle Filipowski | Duke | PF/C | Age: 20.1

9. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn Nets)

Isaiah Collier | USC | PG | Age: 19.2

10. Atlanta Hawks

Matas Buzelis | G League Ignite | SF | Age: 18.9

11. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston Rockets)

Ron Holland | G League Ignite | SF | Age: 18.5

12. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto Raptors)

Reed Sheppard | Kentucky | PG/SG | Age: 19.5

13. New Orleans Pelicans (via Los Angeles Lakers)*

Donovan Clingan | UConn | C | Age: 19.8

14. Phoenix Suns

Zach Edey | Purdue | C | Age: 21.6

15. New York Knicks (via Dallas Mavericks)

Stephon Castle | UConn | PG/SG | Age: 19.1

16. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State Warriors)

Ryan Dunn | Virginia | SF | Age: 21.0

17. Orlando Magic

Kevin McCullar Jr. | Kansas | SF | Age: 22.8

18. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento Kings)

Tyler Smith | G League Ignite | SF/PF | Age: 19.1

19. Indiana Pacers

Trevon Brazile | Arkansas | PF | Age: 20.7

20. Miami Heat

Yves Missi | Baylor | C | Age: 19.6

21. New York Knicks

Bobi Klintman | Cairns Taipans | SF/PF | Age: 20.5

22. Cleveland Cavaliers

Juan Nunez | Ratiopharm Ulm | PG | Age: 19.3

23. New Orleans Pelicans

Izan Almansa | G League Ignite | PF/C | Age: 18.5

24. Milwaukee Bucks

Kel'el Ware | Indiana | C | Age: 19.7

25. Philadelphia 76ers

Jared McCain | Duke | PG | Age: 19.8

26. Minnesota Timberwolves

D.J. Wagner | Kentucky | PG/SG | Age: 18.6

27. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers)

Oso Ighodaro | Marquette | PF/C | Age: 21.4

28. Denver Nuggets

Tristan da Silva | Colorado | SF/PF | Age: 22.6

29. Indiana Pacers (via Oklahoma City Thunder)

Melvin Ajinca | Saint Quentin | SG/SF | Age: 19.5

30. Boston Celtics

Baba Miller | Florida St. | PF | Age: 19.9

* The Pelicans can defer the Lakers' first-round pick to 2025

SECOND ROUND

31. Toronto Raptors (via Detroit Pistons)

Justin Edwards | Kentucky | SG/SF | Age: 20.0

32. San Antonio Spurs

Dalton Knecht | Tennessee | SF | Age: 22.6

33. Detroit Pistons (via Washington Wizards)

Tyler Kolek | Marquette | PG | Age: 22.7

34. Milwaukee Bucks (via Portland Trail Blazers)

Adem Bona | UCLA | C | Age: 20.7

35. Portland Trail Blazers (via Charlotte Hornets)

Pelle Larsson | Arizona | SG | Age: 22.8

36. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis Grizzlies)

Carlton Carrington | Pittsburgh | PG/SG | Age: 18.4

37. Boston Celtics (via Chicago Bulls)

Kylan Boswell | Arizona | PG | Age: 18.4

38. New York Knicks (via Utah Jazz)

Keshad Johnson | Arizona | PF | Age: 22.5

39. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn Nets)

Ulrich Chomche | NBA Academy Showcase | PF/C | Age: 18.0

40. Portland Trail Blazers (via Atlanta Hawks)

Aaron Bradshaw | Kentucky | C | Age: 19.5

41. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston Rockets)

Harrison Ingram | North Carolina | SF/PF | Age: 21.1

42. LA Clippers (via Toronto Raptors)

Dillon Jones | Weber State | SF/PF | Age: 21.1

43. San Antonio Spurs (via Los Angeles Lakers)

Devin Carter | Providence | PG/SG | Age: 21.8

44. Washington Wizards (via Phoenix Suns)

Tyrese Proctor | Duke | PG | Age: 19.7

45. Boston Celtics (via Dallas Mavericks)

Jaxson Robinson | BYU | SF/SG | Age: 21.2

46. Houston Rockets (via Golden State Warriors)

Pacome Dadiet | Ratiopharm Ulm | SG/SF | Age: 18.4

47. Orlando Magic

Trey Alexander | Creighton | PG/SG | Age: 20.6

48. Sacramento Kings

Dillon Mitchell | Texas | SF/PF | Age: 20.2

49. Indiana Pacers

Alex Karaban | UConn | PF | Age: 21.1

50. Miami Heat

PJ Hall | Clemson | PF/C | Age: 21.8

51. Philadelphia 76ers (via New York Knicks)

KJ Simpson | Colorado | PG | Age: 21.4

52. LA Clippers (via Cleveland Cavaliers)

AJ Johnson | Illawarra Hawks | SG | Age: 19.1

53. New Orleans Pelicans

Ajay Mitchell | UC Santa Barbara | PG | Age: 21.5

54. Indiana Pacers (via Milwaukee Bucks)

Ariel Hukporti | Melbourne | C | Age: 21.7

55. Minnesota Timberwolves

Baylor Scheierman | Creighton | SG/SF | Age: 23.2

56. Los Angeles Lakers (via LA Clippers)

Mantas Rubstavicius | NZ Breakers | SF | Age: 21.6

57. Houston Rockets (via Oklahoma City Thunder)

Payton Sandfort | Iowa | SF | Age: 21.4

58. Charlotte Hornets (via Boston Celtics)

Kobe Johnson | USC | SG | Age: 20.9

Let's wait and see. To me, he is dead on a lottery pick.

 

[pimo1]

Let's wait and see. To me, he is dead on a lottery pick.

Talent wise yes... but he will be 23 on draft day... here is an indirect example.. The NFL is a lot less sensitive about age but I guarantee you if Hendon was 22 instead of 25 he would have been a first-round pick worst case he goes to Titans instead of Levis. Age is a big deal in the draft.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

What is he great at? Off-ball scoring is the strength of his game. I did misstate the 'great at nothing' flat out because he is great at that. But that's not that rare a talent in the NBA there are tons of guys like that. Do I think that Knecht can and likely will be a really good NBA player.. YES. He will be a mid-first-round steal for someone. Can he get himself into lottery consideration? Sure if he loses his mind in the SEC tourney and NCAA's. Basketball is a weird sport, If you are over 20 that is where players make their money. You can be 18-19 and average 10 points a game and get drafted first round. I do not think Daltons' basketball abilities are lacking at all I'm saying because of his age he has to be 3x as good as the 19-year-old on the board with him to get drafted ahead of him. I currently think there are at least 14 young and international players ahead of him. There is a lot of season left and his stock is rising. Could a strong run sneak him in at the end of the lottery? sure. Also, it comes down to who gets what pick. Does the team that falls in love with DK have a lottery pick in a position where they don't have a younger guy higher on their board? What type of team does he ever fit on?

I'd love to see him in the Purple and Gold that's a perfect team for him. Or someone like the Bucks. But those teams won't be picking in the lottery in the case of the Lakers not in the first round at all (unless the Pelicans defer). I am looking at likely lottery teams and the only ones where he looks like a clear roster fit (no one is gonna spend a lottery pick on a guy they don't see starting) Spurs? Rockets? Bulls and Maybe Pelicans

I think it is hard to quantify the difference between "good" and "great" which you seem fairly confident in your analysis. I would tend to agree that if we were having this conversation in November 2023, that I would not try and defend Knecht and say that he isn't great at many things. Personally, I think you are being a tad bit harsh on him, for reasons I can't really understand.

His growth from November to February has been immense. He's not the same player, in a good way. He's a really complete ballplayer as evidenced by the fact that 2 of his last 3 games have been his best all around games where he has stuffed the stat sheet. In addition to being a great off-ball scorer, he's a legitimately great defender now. Over the past 3 games, Knecht has 8 blocks and 4 steals. He's been great at keeping his man in front of him lately and using his length to frustrate guards on the perimeter. All this when just 3 months ago he was a legit defensive liability and only playable because of his scoring. That shows how coachable he is and that he has the tools to be a great defender, he just hasn't had the coaching or experience till now to make it a reality.

We'll also agree to disagree that I think Knecht has become great at creating his own shot. He's got great vision and against Arkansas he was not only doing an exceptional job at driving the lane and finishing at the rim, but he continues to be money at that turn-around, fade-away mid-range jumper from the free throw line when taking his man in isolation. I also think that great vision extends to creating for others, as I've seen him making some really nice passes when he gets the double.

Again, much of this is subjective, and you clearly don't think Knecht is great at much. That is fine. You're certainly entitled to feel that way. But his growth to me in all phases of the game has been abundantly clear since November and I think the fact that you're seeing that much growth at his age shows he isn't a finish product and that scouts don't have to be concerned that he's reached his peak. As is well documented, he had a late growth spurt that didn't even really hit till he was in JuCo, so I'm sure he's still learning how to adapt to his body and use that length.

Scouts looks for different things and I'm sure some will devalue him because of his age, but all it takes is one team to fall in love with him for him to go in the lottery or top 10. I've seen several mocks with him at #7 to the Grizzlies. I think that would make a lot of sense. The Grizzlies have been plagued by injuries this year, but once Morant returns for a full season, they will be West contenders again. They aren't going to want a project that goes to the G-League for 2-3 years. They are going to want a plug-and-play guy during Morants prime, which considering his behavior may already be past him. Knecht would make a lot of sense for them.

 

[VolsAgainstTheWorld15]

There are only so many elite bucket getters in basketball. Yes, everybody at the NBA level can put the ball in the hoop in some capacity, but even at the highest level of basketball, there are only so many elite three level scorers. DK is that kind of player.

He lacks the lateral quickness to be a great defender at the NBA level, but he can be serviceable imo. He’s improved a lot defensively this season. His age will work against him, but a guy with DK’s explosiveness and offensive skill set…somebody is rightfully going to fall in love with that kind of player.

While I don’t think envision him being a lottery pick, I do believe he’s a first rounder without question. If he doesn’t go in the first round, then the evaluation system used by the NBA is broken.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

Talent wise yes... but he will be 23 on draft day... here is an indirect example.. The NFL is a lot less sensitive about age but I guarantee you if Hendon was 22 instead of 25 he would have been a first-round pick worst case he goes to Titans instead of Levis. Age is a big deal in the draft.

Age is considered a variable, but not a binary one. They aren’t going to pass on his talent and body solely because he’s .7 years older than another player. As for his other attributes and his non-greatness, you’re being particularly reductive in your analysis. He is an older player. He is also a player who grew four inches since high school and put thirty pounds on a durable frame. Scouts like his upper body strength and his ability to play through a drive. He is indeed great at that. Similarly his speed from dribble to release is exceptional. Very few players with his frame have comparable lift coming from a standing base to a shot either. His speed and recovery speed on defense have improved markedly since the beginning of this season. He’ll have an opportunity to move up based on workouts. So much of the draft is based on fit. If a team likes what they see in person, he could easily land 5-15. He also may fall. Trying to reduce him to “too old and not great” is just lazy.

 

[Rockytop10nessee]

It's not crazy that he would fall out of the 1st. I would never draft him, personally. In the NBA, I wanna run and I wanna spread you out. He doesn't do either.

he does run and he’s great for floor spacing.. not sure how you could say otherwise if you’ve watched even 5 minutes of play this year.