ESPN: my secret to become the world no1….
The NBA Draft is drawing near, and Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht seems to be going to a few different places in mock selections. These are by no means definitive, but it appears that more people are beginning to believe that Knecht will come in at number eight or nine.
Each of the aforementioned teams, the Spurs and Grizzlies, could use a ready-made scorer to complement their youthful players. Jeremy Woo and Jeremy Woo at ESPN combed through selections that offered the best value and those that addressed the greatest needs. In the mock draft, Knecht selected consecutively for separate teams, checking both of those boxes.
8. Spurs of San Antonio
With Knecht, who made 40% of his three-pointers and shown dynamic shot-making ability, the Spurs added another top shooter. With their No. 4 choice, they should have addressed their point guard position going forward. Knecht is ranked No. 8 in ESPN’s Top 100 and is a consensus First Team All-American. He should be among the most NBA-ready rookies in this class, which appeals to the Spurs, who want to get back into the playoffs as quickly as possible. Givony, ESPN
9. The Grizzlies of Memphis
If Memphis stays at No. 9, this is not a pick to ponder over. After a breakout season at Tennessee, Knecht is our top player remaining on the board and the most polished perimeter scorer in the draft. Because of his offensive capabilities and his ability to score at all three levels and be a threat off the ball, he is a legitimate lottery-level talent. Whether or not other teams believe he can develop greatly will determine how high to draft him, but this seems like the appropriate location for him. (Woo, ESPN)
Knecht is also slated to arrive in Memphis according to NBA.com’s consensus mock draft. Knecht was also predicted by ESPN’s Givony to the Grizzlies after the withdrawal deadline.
Knecht has landed at other locations, such as No. 6 with the Hornets or No. 14 with the Trailblazers.
One of the biggest storylines in college basketball this past year was Knecht’s explosive ascension. He transferred from Northern Colorado to the Vols for his final season. Playing in the fiercely competitive SEC, Knecht’s numbers actually improved, marking a significant increase in competition.
