Dalton Knecht 2024 NBA Draft: Player comparison & projected draft pick for Tennessee Volunteers guardÂ
After having an unconventional journey in college, Dalton Knecht looks forward to hearing his name announced in the opening round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Following a five-year stint at the collegiate level, Knecht is closer to becoming a pro.
His journey started at Northeastern Junior College in Colorado. Two seasons later, he would transfer to D1 Northern Colorado. After averaging 20.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, he transferred to Tennessee, where his game kept evolving. Knetch finished his college career averaging 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 45.8% shooting, including 39.7% from deep.
Two of his NBA player comparisons are Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen and Cleveland Cavaliers' Max Strus, two veteran guards who can sink 3-pointers and play off the ball but have much to improve on the defensive end. Knecht appears to be better than them entering the draft, despite all the similarities.
Dalton Knecht vs Grayson Allen/Max Strus: Strengths
What stands out the most about Knecht is his ability to shoot the ball. He can be both a spot-up shooter and can also create his own shots. He can take the ball down the floor, attack the rim and facilitate for his teammates, but the main trait he possesses is his shooting skill and off-ball movement.
Allen and Strus have proven the same during their NBA careers. They can play off the ball and move around the perimeter constantly. They are streaky shooters whose shooting abilities can help their squads, becoming a threat to opponents when they get hot. They can also attack the rim and use more ways to score than just shooting 3s.
Dalton Knecht vs Grayson Allen/Max Strus: Weaknesses
When it comes to his weaknesses, his defense is almost non-existent. He was a sub-par defender in college, mostly due to his lack of lateral movement. This might be a bigger problem in the NBA, as he can easily become a target for opponents.
His age is also an issue since he's 23 already, but Strus and Allen also landed in the league past their 20s and have found a way to stay in the competition while becoming solid role players for their respective teams.
When Allen and Strus entered the NBA, their defense was also a focal point for their respective teams. Allen's second NBA team, the Grizzlies, had a group of notable defenders, as was the case in Milwaukee.
When he was traded to Phoenix, his defense wasn't great, but he was one of the best at that role in a team filled with talented scorers.
Strus landed in Miami, where he helped the Heat compete and reach the NBA Finals while being a shooter but also a scrapper who fought for every ball with his life.
With the Cavaliers, he's no longer a defensive liability, although his level hasn't been the same as it was in Miami.
Dalton Knecht and other NBA comparisons and draft projections
As a spot-up shooter and a player who can create his own shot, Dalton Knecht has more than these two comparisons. The first one that comes to mind is Klay Thompson, who is taller than Knecht but shares similarities in his game. Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic are good comparisons to Knecht, too.
It's hard to predict where he'll be drafted with accuracy. However, Knecht is seen by many draft analysts as a lottery pick and big outlets like ESPN, The Ringer and The Athletic have him as a top-10 pick in this year's draft.