Mock Draft Roundup: Where Tennessee's Dalton Knecht is being projected in the NBA Draft
A closer look at where Dalton Knecht is being projected in NBA mock drafts after his breakout season at Tennessee, where he was the SEC Player of the Year and a Consensus First-Team All American after averaging 21.7 points per game:
No. 2 — Houston Rockets
Chinmay Vaidya: “In most cases, Knecht wouldn’t go this high in the draft and is more likely to be in the middle of the lottery. However, the Rockets are a player or two away from consistently competing in the playoffs. Knecht would be an impact scorer off the bench right away and would continue to fit the profile of Houston’s recent draft picks. He’d be an immediate contributor, which is something the Rockets want.”
No. 3 — Charlotte Hornets
NBADraft.net: “Explosive, rangy, and powerful do it all wing… Has shown incredible improvement from his high school playing days, aided by a huge growth spurt. But his skill level has also reaches new heights each year… Rangy 6’6″ with a long wingspan (official measurement is tbd, but we will not be surprised to see 6’10″+)… Relentless… Always in attack mode. Has a scorer’s mindset… Can hit defenders with 2–3 moves on the same drive and get to his spot… Crafty finisher around the hoops… When he doesn’t get directly to the rim can finish with tough scoops and floaters”
No. 4 — Detroit Pistons
Kevin O’Connor: “Is this pick too high for Knecht, who will be a 23-year-old rookie? Perhaps it is. But here’s my thought process behind this choice: The Pistons, one of the NBA’s worst teams, have few certainties on their roster. Cade Cunningham is blossoming, and they have to provide him with some stability. Knecht is a proven commodity: a good off-ball scorer who provides a lot of effort. And maybe, just maybe, the on-ball stuff will pop just like it did at Tennessee, providing Cade with the go-to scoring partner that none of his teammates have become.”
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No. 8 — Utah Jazz
Jeremy Woo: “Knecht emerged as Tennessee’s go-to scorer after transferring from Northern Colorado putting himself on the map as a first-round pick while carrying the Volunteers. He was not on the radar this time a year ago but legitimized himself with three-level scoring instincts and the ability to shoot off screens as well as off the bounce.”
No. 8 — Utah Jazz
Jonathan Wasserman: “Turning 23 years old this month, Knecht will have some skeptics who worry about age for a lottery pick. But most teams won’t be overly picky in 2024. The idea of adding a plug-and-play scorer with a valued core skill and professional approach will look appealing outside the top five.”
No. 13 — Portland Trail Blazers
Krysten Peek: “Knecht was one of the best scoring guards in college basketball this season. He averaged 26 points and shot 40% from 3-point range in four tournament games. He’s a three-level scorer and, even though he’s far from a finished product defensively, he did improve on the perimeter and rebounded well all season.”
