Will Dalton Knecht get drafted into the NBA? Exploring the chances of Tennessee guard's 2024 draft projection

Dalton Knecht might be the most low-profile high-calibre candidate in what's labeled as a relatively weak talent pool. The 23-year-old is one of the oldest prospects and didn't see a single star to his name or player profile when coming out of high school.

Nevertheless, Knecht is touted as a lottery pick in several mock drafts and a top-10 pick by ESPN, Ringer and Athletic. He brings a unique experience, elite scoring ability and versatility to lift his chances even against more naturally gifted young talents.

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Dalton Knecht's biggest asset is his growth

Due to constantly being overlooked by the masses, Dalton Knecht appears to always play with a chip on his shoulder. He can score in a multitude of ways and has elevated his game year after year.

Despite a sudden growth spurt post-high school that makes him six-foot-six from five-foot-eight and all the dribbling skills Knecht’s family dog Zoe assisted him in, the forward spent his initial two years in Northeastern Junior College.

From there, he managed 8.9 points in his first year at Northern Colorado but more than doubled his production the next year, with 20.2 points, 1.8 assists and 7.2 rebounds.

He then took on a more challenging task the next year after committing to Tennessee and charging through the stacked SEC conference as the scoring leader.

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Can Dalton Knecht's talent translate to the NBA?

Knecht is not a complete player entering the draft, and no prospect is, even the generational talent Victor Wembanyama needed some acclimatization. Nevertheless, Knecht’s constant growth hints that he not only puts in the work but knows how to do it smartly.

Dalton Knecht's habits are a boon for most teams that hold the top picks, given how their player development programs have resulted in recent years. He could immediately add more promise to almost every squad in the league and deserves the high draft potential he has been given.

Knecht’s 39.7% 3-point shooting looks great when considering that they came on a high volume of 6.5 attempts per game. However, it's simply a part of his game and not a recluse. He made nearly half of his shots inside the arc (9.5 attempts per game) and knows how to get to the charity stripes.

Moreover, he can efficiently use screens, is decisive in closeouts, can finish with either hand and has a lightning-quick release on his jumper, giving him one of the most sophisticated offensive arsenals in the 2024 draft.