Kevin Knox, USA, PF/SF, Class of 2017, Uncommitted, 17.6 Strengths
-Nice physical profile for a combo forward at 6' 9 with a 6' 11.5 wingspan and 8' 10 standing reach - measurements good enough to play the four in the NBA. Wide shoulders that are filling out nicely. Huge feet. Looks like he still may not be completely done growing.
-Fluid athlete who can finish above the rim with relative ease both in transition and the half court. Lob target.
-Best moving and cutting off the ball.
-Multi-positional defender when motivated. Good feet. Uses his solid reach to alter shots. 2.1 steals and 1.3 blocks per 40 minutes.
-Although it hasn't translated to game play Knox's jumper is slightly improved from a mechanical standpoint. Gets great rotation. Can make shots with time and space when he stays consistent and focused with his mechanics. Healthy arc.
-Has the fluidity to attack a closeout in space, best when at the four.
-Excellent rebounding potential thanks to his quick leaping and tools - lifetime 11.0 boards per 40 minutes.
-A bit young for his class at 17.6.Weaknesses
-Still quite light at 206 pounds. Has gained only three pounds in the last year or so. Nice frame up top but really thin lower body. Limits his ability to hold position vs traditional bigs.
-Doesn't think the game at a high level. Feel is very shaky in terms of shot selection and decision making. 3.8 turnovers per 40 minutes in 39 EYBL games.
-Still trying to prove that he's a wing by hoisting up jumpers early in the clock or trying to create off the dribble. Much more effective if he'll accept the role as an energetic, athlete/defender while the rest of his game develops organically.
-Motor is very up and down. Looks uninterested on the floor. Doesn't always sit down and defend. Floats on the perimeter offensively. Needs to play with a high motor, defend, rebound and fly around to be considered a legitimate first-round caliber NBA prospect.
-High handle. Not going to create or play out of ball screens. Best at the four when he can attack via straight line drives in space.
-Very loose, inconsistent shooting mechanics. Balance comes and goes. Brings the ball down to his shoulder right before going into his release. Has good wrist action and rotation but is far too loose. Lifetime 25.8 3P% on 89 attempts.
-Shows very little positive or negative emotion on the floor.Outlook
Knox underwhelmed the majority of the week in Portland as his development has stalled a bit since we first bega evaluating him at the age of 15. While he shows an improved skill set for brief stretches, he's too focused on proving that he can play the three rather than making an impact by using his tools, explosiveness and energy. If he can find a way to buy into defending multiple positions, moving off the ball, crashing the glass, running the floor, and playing as more of a modern four man (which is very much the trend in today's NBA) he's far more interesting as an NBA prospect. He'll have to continue to stick to his strengths while finding a way to make spot-up 3s consistently to validate his current standing as a prospect. Knox's skill-set is undoubtedly best suited at the 4 at the NCAA level (even if he insists on being recruited as a 3), but if he's still concerned with developing into a wing his development and overall intrigue as a prospect will continue to take a hit.
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