StopThePumpFakesShav
All American
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2013
- Messages
- 9,156
We've been in denial, but it's time he has his own thread.
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SignUp Now!deepdarkblue said:I guess. Still, he's no Austin Nichols.
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.
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.
WEAKNESSES
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.
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.
OUTLOOK
Knox underwhelmed the majority of the week in Portland as his development has stalled a bit since we first began 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.
best4heisman said:So he has the tools to be Atlanta Josh Smith and he wants to be Detroit Josh Smith.
AxeS24 said:Knox could play the 3. He has improved his long range shooting. He went 7-7 from 3 in front of Roy Williams.
rome8180 said:I actually think he's very likely to play the 4 at Duke. All the strengths will be bigger strengths at the 4 and the weaknesses less of a liability.