Top 3 SEC players who could be drafted in the NBA
SEC ball has elevated drastically in the last few years, whether coaching or athletic talent. Even though the Kentucky Wildcats continue being the top program of the conference, other institutions have narrowed the gap.
The last time Kentucky won the SEC was in 2018 for the fourth straight time. Since then, three new teams have emerged victorious - Auburn Tigers (2), Alabama Crimson Tide (2) and Tennessee.
Moreover, the conference has generated NBA-level players like Bam Adebayo, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Alex Caruso and more. Now, as the 2024 Draft nears, let's look at the coming SEC talent who could mark a big-league entry.
SEC players that could make it to the NBA
#1 Rob Dillingham - Kentucky Wildcats (Guard)
Rob Dillingham can score on all three levels on the court and can spark offense out of nothing. He averaged 15.2 points and 3.9 assists in 23 minutes on 47.5% field goal efficiency and 44.4% 3-point clip.
He has the speed to neglect screens, ample range to let it fly from deep, tight handles to maneuver the paint and a reliable floater when angles get tough. Moreover, his spot-up shooting makes him a dependable role player as well.
However, as he steps out of Kentucky's dominance in the SEC, Rob Dillingham will need to spend heavy time in the gym to make a successful NBA career. He was the fifth shortest (six-foot-one) and the lightest (164 pounds) player in the combine, which could make him an easy target.
With that, he also needs to significantly improve his defense to gain solid minutes on the court.
#2 Reed Sheppard - Kentucky Wildcats (Guard)
Reed Sheppard’s ridiculous shooting touch makes him the top prospect in the draft. Even though he only averaged 12.5 points under 29 minutes, Sheppard made 52.1% of his shots from the arc (53.6% overall).
His balanced shot and quick release can immediately make him a floor spacer and provide significant minutes in the NBA. Additionally, he can handle the ball, has a good IQ and loves to make the extra pass, especially when it's to the other side of the court.
Unlike his college teammate Dillingham, Sheppard can hold his own on the defensive end of the court. He can pester guards, has active hands and can disturb live dribbles. He averaged 2.5 steals and 0.7 blocks last season doing the same.
However, only time can tell if Reed Sheppard translates his defensive knack to the big league. His six-foot-two frame can become a target against bigger players. Moreover, he struggles when trying to finish at the rim. Even though he can resort to floaters, NBA athletes are not going to make it easy.
#3 Dalton Knecht - Tennesse (Guard)
Despite his breakout senior year of averaging 20 points, 7.2 rebounds and converting 38% of his threes, Dalton Knecht gripped college hoops fans by repeating a similar production last year, while leading Tennessee to SEC’s best record. Knecht is a dangerous 3-point shooter who can create his shots and also drain them off the catch.
Even though Dillingham and Sheppard have higher shooting than Dalton Knecht, the best player in the SEC conference (2023-24) doesn't necessarily need the ball in his hands. He's elite at off-ball movements and can finish over defenders near the basket. Moreover, his athleticism allows him to be crafty and to make shots off contact.
However, similar to others on the list, Knecht's weak point is his defense. Despite being six-foot-five, he can become a walking target in the NBA. He lacks the lateral quickness to keep up with pacing NBA players. However, if a good defensive team decides to draft him, Knecht has all the tools to become a high-level spot-up role player and become a shooting threat.