The Utah Jazz had three opportunities in last year’s draft, and they’ll have the same number of chances in the upcoming draft. They previously focused on filling positional needs and are likely to continue that trend in June.
While this draft class may lack high-ceiling talent, there’s a surplus of players who can contribute in rotational roles, and Dalton Knecht fits that profile perfectly.
Knecht is projected to be selected anywhere from #4 to #11 in various mock drafts, with an average ranking of #9.
Let’s delve deeper into Knecht’s profile. He’s a 23-year-old senior from the University of Tennessee, standing at 6’6″ and weighing 213 lbs. He’s primarily seen as a combo guard on offense but can also play as a wing due to his athleticism and strength. Defensively, he’s most effective against opposing guards, particularly those who aren’t exceptionally quick.
In his 36 starts for the Vols, Knecht averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 1.7 turnovers per game on 58% true shooting in 30.6 minutes.
Despite his impressive stats, there are some concerns. The numbers aren’t adjusted for volume, lack comparison to peers, and are solely outcome-focused. We’ll examine more meaningful metrics later.
Knecht showed promise in high school, averaging 21 points per game as a senior and ranking among the top 18 recruits in Colorado. However, he received no Division I offers and wasn’t listed in ESPN’s top 100 recruits in 2019.
He began his collegiate career at Northeastern Junior College before transferring to Northern Colorado for two seasons. He then utilized additional eligibility due to the pandemic, playing his final season at Tennessee. Throughout his college career, Knecht demonstrated his scoring ability and willingness to attack the basket. His defensive prowess remains a bit uncertain and requires further evaluation.
Knecht was one of Tennessee’s primary contributors, leading the team in various statistical categories such as minutes played, field goals attempted, three-point attempts, and free throw attempts.
One of Knecht’s notable strengths is his confident and efficient shooting, as evidenced by his highlight reel showcasing his scoring prowess primarily through jump shots.