2018 NBA Mock Draft: A way-too-early look ahead

Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All-American West forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) poses with the trophy after winning the John Wooden Award as the most valuable player for the 40th Annual McDonald's High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 26, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All-American forward Kevin Knox II (23) poses for a photo during the 2017 McDonalds All American Game Portrait Day at Chicago Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

The best way to describe Kentucky Wildcats freshman Kevin Knox II is that he’s reminiscent of Josh Smith. That’s true both in the versatility he displays on the defensive end of the floor, and his incessant desire to prove he’s a wing when, with his current skill set, he isn’t.

Knox still has the potential to be a legitimate star at the next level—just as Smith did—but he’ll need to stop throwing up long jumpers that attempt to prove the wrong point.

There’s no way around the fact that Knox has the skill level to be a hybrid forward at the next level. He’s a fluid athlete with solid handles, an explosive leap, and a strong enough outside shot that he can justify the occasional lightly contested jump shot.

He projects far better as a modern power forward than a traditional 3, however, and his acceptance of that role will be vital to his development.

Knox is at his best when he’s moving without the ball and rolling to the basket, where he’s a phenomenal lob target. He can run the fast break in transition, but that’s true in more of a Blake Griffin sense than a Giannis Antetokounmpo sense.

This isn’t an attempt to knock Knox in any way, shape, or form, but he should accept the same offensive role as Jabari Parker in the NBA: power forward with a hybrid twist.

It’s either that or polish the skills he believes he already has.