KEVIN KNOX
BIRTHDATE: 8/11/99
POSITION: Combo Forward
HEIGHT: 6'9"
WEIGHT: 210 lbs
SCHOOL/ TEAM: Kentucky
CLASS: Freshman
STRENGTHS
Size & Length - Good positional size and length for a hybrid forward at 6'9 with a 6'11 wingspan
Scoring ability - Soft shooting touch. Can shoot from 3, mid range pull up and soft touch finishes around the rim; Attacks closeouts
Feel for the game - Understands spacing and plays to his strengths
Shooting - Can shoot on the move and can be used in action plays
Athleticism - Solid athleticism; Can make plays above the rim
Rebounding - Good rebounder from wing position; Grab & Go potential to start fast breaks off misses
WEAKNESSES
Creativity - Lacks one one one creativity/ Isolation game
Left hand - Rarely drives left, very right hand dominant on drives
Explosiveness - Good athlete, but lacks pop, burst and explosiveness
Strength - Like most young prospects must bulk up
Playmaking skills - Used mostly as a scorer/ slasher. Does not create for others or have positive assist/turnover ratio
Shot selection - Occasionally can take tough contested pull up jumpers
Kentucky freshman combo forward Kevin Knox has all the tools teams look for in a wing for the modern NBA game. At 6'9 with a 6'11" wingspan Knox has the agility and versatility to play both forward spots on offense and defense. Knox has a nice shooting stroke and despite not being much of a shot creator for himself, he can score on all 3 levels. He has the range to be a threat from deep, is comfortable shooting the mid range pull up off the dribble when attacking closeouts and is very good at soft touch finishes around the rim.
On the defensive end Knox can defend positions 2-4 depending on the matchups. He currently does not have the strength to defend stronger 4's but his the length and agility to defend perimeter oriented small ball swing forwards. Knox is a good rebounder on the defensive glass and has the skill set to start fast breaks on the grab & go.
Knox game is ideal for a complimentary player since he lacks the offensive creativity to play one one one and create for himself or others in isolation. He's very predictable and you know he's going to drive to his right and pull up or go to rim for a soft touch shot or floater. Rarely will he put the ball on the floor for more than two dribbles, which isn't all bad because he's efficient with his touches.
While Knox is a good athlete, he doesn't have elite NBA level athleticism or a lightweight first step. But he has good end to end speed and is good in transition.
RAFAEL BARLOWE - NOVEMBER 23, 2017