NBA Draft 2024: Top 3 options for the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 12th pick
2. SF, Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
Dalton Knecht was the best pure offensive scorer in all of college basketball last season, and he has sneaky size and length that could translate well into the Oklahoma City Thunder roster. Knecht is 6-foot-6, 213 pounds, but has a 6-foot-9 wingspan.
Got a chance to watch Dalton Knecht working out in Chicago. Impressive to see his physical tools, shot-making prowess and overall scoring instincts up close. pic.twitter.com/Ju1ejmqCfe
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 21, 2024
The only issue with Knecht as of right now is that it is very hard to project where he may go. Some believe he is a top-five pick, some say top ten, and others have him just outside the top ten on the cusp of the lottery. He’s a very interesting player because he came out of nowhere as an NBA prospect.
He started his collegiate career at Northeastern Junior College, transferred to Northern Colorado, where he was one of the best players in the Big Sky Conference, and then Rick Barnes found him and got him to Tennessee. During his senior year for the Volunteers, Knecht averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 45.8% shooting.
His smooth and quick jumper gives him the ability to play off-ball if need be, and he can space the floor. His defense still needs a lot of work, but the Thunder as a whole have a good defensive team that can make up that slack. Knecht could be the primary scoring option for the second unit if he falls to 12 and the Thunder select him.