NBA Draft Scouting Report: Tennessee's Dalton Knecht
Dalton Knecht
Wing | Tennessee
Height: 6'6” | Weight: 215 lbs
2024 Draft Age: 23.17
Steven Erler-USA TODAY Sports
Prospect Profile
One of the biggest breakout stars of the college season to this point has been Knecht, who went through a long basketball journey before making it to Tennessee as a fifth-year senior. He started his career at Northeastern Junior College, then played at Northern Colorado before taking his talents to the SEC.
Not only has Knecht been able to translate his skills at each level of increased completion, but he’s emerged as a star each time. With the Volunteers in the early part of the season, he quickly became the team’s top scorer. The 6-foot-6 wing’s ability to slot perfectly into a new system multiple times now is promising as it relates to him making an impact at the NBA level in the future.
It’s been impressive to see Knecht go from playing a role as a primary handler last season to now thriving in more of an off-ball role. He’s now proven that he can make things happen and create with the ball in his hands, or feed off of other initiators and score off-ball.
When Knecht does need to create for himself, he’s a natural playmaker and bucket getter. He boasts good athleticism and can rise up and dunk with power. He moves really well and can attack the cup with force. The Tennessee prospect is efficient with his dribbles and makes the most of every move when he has the ball in his hands. His IQ is apparent as well, especially with his ability to operate as the handler in pick-and-role situations.
Knecht is a reliable 3-point shooter on high volume. He’s not an elite perimeter shooter, but is certainly capable and consistent, shooting right below a 40% clip. He’s tall with the ability to shoot over defenders and is also very efficient at the free throw line with good shooting mechanics.
The next step in Knecht’s game could be the passing and generation of assists. He’s already a decent connector, but hasn’t yet shown the ability to be a primary facilitator. He does have a solid assist rate, but true assist production will be something that could increase his stock. On the flip side, he already takes very good care of the ball.
The ability to pull down rebounds at Knecht’s position will be attractive for NBA teams, as he uses his size well to clean the glass. Just last season, he produced more than seven boards per game.
As it relates to defense, Knecht has the size to guard multiple positions at the next level. His ability to contain players on that end throughout this season in SEC play will be something teams are keeping an eye on.
Knecht was 5-foot-8 as a high school sophomore, then hit his growth spurt that continued for several years. He’s grown consistently even early in his college days and now is the perfect size for an NBA wing. Although a late bloomer, Knecht is now proving he’s worth a shot in being selected by an NBA team. He was never a huge recruit, but now looks like a player with a high floor that could help a team win year one at the next level.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Potential First-Round Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.
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