Over the next few weeks, we’re evaluating every SEC player that has a chance of going pro and taking a look at their overall strengths and weaknesses as the 2018 NBA Draft approaches.
Kentucky has always had a ton of NBA talent since John Calipari came to Lexington and this year is no different.
The first Kentucky prospect on the list is Kevin Knox, who was the primary wing scorer for the Wildcats in helping them reach the Sweet 16. His season was highlighted by his 34-point performance against West Virginia in Morgantown, which clinched the SEC-Big 12 Challenge for the SEC for the first time ever.
Let’s look at Knox’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as what teams would be interested in drafting him and the range that he should be drafted in.
Diagnostics
- Name: Kevin Knox
- Height: 6’9”
- Weight: 215 lbs.
- Points Per Game: 15.6
- Assists Per Game: 1.4
- Rebounds Per Game: 5.4
- Field Goal Percentage: 44.7%
- Three-Point Percentage: 34.1%
- Free-Throw Percentage: 77.4%
- Points Per 100 Possessions: 27.6
- Assists Per 100 Possessions: 2.5
- Rebounds Per 100 Possessions: 9.6
Strengths
- Consistency
Knox posted 30 games of 10+ points, which is a real testament to his consistent effort and performance across the entire season.
A major component of making a contribution in the NBA is putting up a consistent effort over an 82-game season, and Knox has certainly proven that he can get buckets on a night-to-night basis.
With the NBA playing games nearly every night during the season, it certainly will take an adjustment period for him to produce every night through the grind of it all, but with his consistent play in college, that transition should be very quick and painless for him in trying to become a capable rotation player.
- Shot making
Knox has displayed a strong ability to make shots from all levels of the floor, which is his main NBA skill.
He has the length to finish around the basket by either posting up or driving to the basket, as well as a jump shot that has a high release point, which allows him to get his shot off over most defenders. He also has shown off his ability to create space off the dribble, diversifying his offensive profile.
That offensive profile is going to carve out a role for Knox in the NBA, as teams are always looking for wings with good positional size that can shoot from all areas of the floor.
- Positional size
Knox is 6’9” and 215 lbs., which is incredible size for a combo forward that can play either the 3 or the 4 position.
Being able to play the wing will allow Knox to potentially crack the rotation very early for whatever team drafts him, and even though he probably will have to transition into being a straight 4 as his career progresses, he can certainly provide value at the 3 for most of his early and middle career.
Having a body that big with the amount of versatility on both ends of the floor is very intriguing during this draft process.
Weaknesses
- Efficiency and Decision Making
While Knox is a good shooter, he can struggle at times with his shot and streakiness. When his shot is on, he can’t be stopped, but when it’s off, Kentucky struggled on the offensive end of the floor.
Knox will need to work on his decision-making while his shot is off, passing it to teammates for them to make plays and not taking so many shots that aren’t open looks to try and get back on track.
Finding a way to limit the amount of shots he takes and only taking good, open shots is important for Knox to get his career off the ground in the NBA.
- Rebounding
Knox struggles to rebound at a high enough rate for his height, which is a bit disappointing because of his long arms and good frame that can be used for solid rebounding position.
He’ll need to work on being in the right place to rebound the ball, as well as committing to actually boxing out and grabbing the rebounds.
His value on both ends of the floor will be that much higher if he commits to doing that on a consistent basis.
- Defense
Knox seems a bit slow of foot while defending on the ball, which will be a problem when he gets to the league because of who he’ll be guarding.
NBA coaches will look to attack him in one-on-one situations, so improving that on-ball defense will be one of the key areas of development.
Improving Knox’s off-ball defense is also very important, but that can be fixed when he gets into his drafting team’s system and learns how to defend off the ball at the NBA level.
Team Fits
There are plenty of NBA teams that can use an offensive wing that can score the ball from all levels of the floor.
Some of those teams include:
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Phoenix Suns
- Indiana Pacers
- Atlanta Hawks
- Cleveland Cavaliers
Draft Range
Knox is certainly a top-tier prospect that should be selected within the top 20 picks due to his size and position versatility.
If a team sees the defensive issues as easily correctable, then I can definitely see him moving into the top 10 range, but that my be difficult considering the other prospects that would be available in that range.
Draft Range: Late lottery to top 20 pick