#5 F Kentucky Wildcats – Freshman
DOB: August 11, 1999
Height: 6-9
Wingspan: 6-11.5
Weight: 215lbs
2017-2018 Season Average:
| 32.4MIN | 15.6PTS | 44.5FG% | 1.4AST | 5.4REB | 0.8STL | 0.3BLK | 2.3TO |
Strengths
- Has the size of a prototypical 4 in today’s NBA; Outmatches most opponents at the college level physically; Athletic in terms of his quickness, fluidity, and coordination for position.
- Versatile offensive player being able to shoot from all three levels. Not necessarily the most explosive athlete but can use fakes and jab steps to get defender off balance; Moves off the ball and attacks closeouts effectively.
- Driving game is relatively simple but effective; uses straight-line drives effectively; Has the ability to finish with length and soft touch around the rim. Uses long stride and length to attack the basket in transition.
- His shot is the most translatable NBA trait; Can shoot spotting up or curling off screens as well as pull up in the mid-range. Smooth release with good elevation.
- Opens up lots of movement on offense with his floor spacing ability.
Weaknesses
- Relies somewhat on size to finish over smaller defenders at the college level; Lacks explosive leap and first step.
- More of a spot up/one or two dribble shooter than a creative isolation player; does not possess great handles and plays at the same speed at all times.
- Feel for the game is not terrible but can improve; takes a second too long to make the simple passes to teammates.
- Does not play with aggressiveness and intensity, which is reflected by his low rebounding; At times seems lethargic and uninterested on the court.
- Can be more locked in on defense; Does not always contest shots and offers little rim protection(0.3BLK) at this point; Loses focus at times.
- Needs to get stronger; Gets bodied in the post by bigger players.
- Has had an inconsistent year; Value on the court drops noticeably when he is not hitting his shot.
Observations
- Knox’s struggles with consistency might be a result of playing as a big man at Kentucky when his play style better suits that of a swingman.
- Has great role player potential; Knox projects as a great secondary scorer who does most of his damage through spot ups and drives off passes; Knox also understands his strengths and plays to them well.
- Frame should fill out with time; has huge feet which indicates that he might still grow once he gets to the NBA.
- Needs to get tougher/more aggressive to compete in the NBA.
Notable Performances
Vs. West Virginia 34PTs (11-17 FGA/FGM) (5-8 3PM/3PA) 7REB 1PF 1TO
Vs. Davidson (1st Round) 25PTS (8-16 FGA/FGM) (9-11 FTM/FTA) 6REB 1AST 0PF 1TO
Vs. Monmouth 4PTS (1-9 FGA/FGM) (1-5 3PM/3PA) 5REB 4AST 0BLK 2PF 7TO
