Phoenix Suns: 5 options for pick No. 16 in 2018 NBA Draft
1. Kevin Knox, SF — Kentucky
Come on, you didn’t think we’d make it through this list with only one Kentucky player, did you? In all seriousness, there are plenty of reasons for the Suns to be interested in Kevin Knox beyond where he went to school. Plus he’s not even a guard, so it goes deeper than that. We promise.
Though Knox’s draft stock has taken a hit compared to where it was a few months ago, he’s still a 6’9″ small forward who could potentially play the 4 in small-ball lineups.
That should make him attractive to Phoenix, not only for wing depth as Josh Jackson looks to permanently supplant T.J. Warren, but also with Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss already on shaky ground early in their NBA careers. Assuming he’s even available at 16, that is.
So some early early draft scuttle — Kevin Knox could go way higher than projected. His initial workout schedule includes a lot of team in the top 10. He may not stay in Chicago long.
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) May 16, 2018
The 18-year-old Wildcat averaged 15.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game last year, shooting 44.5 percent from the field and a good-but-not-great 34.1 percent from 3-point range. If he’s able to prove his smooth form on spot-up looks can yield more efficient percentages, he’d be a great candidate for the Suns at No. 16.
Even better, Knox has the physical tools to be a versatile defender, thanks to a 7’0″ wingspan, lateral quickness and the kind of all-around athleticism that helps make him such a skilled finisher at the rim on the other end.
This needed to be seen by more people. #BBN @KySportsRadio @DrewFranklinKSR @MrsTylerKSR pic.twitter.com/0OO3AljpUn
— Scott L. (@tscottlowery) October 31, 2017
Knox sometimes settles for mid-range jumpers, but he’s an adept cutter and can score in transition. As always, there are some pitfalls with this potential pick, however.
His rebounding numbers leave something to be desired, especially in the event he’s deployed as a small-ball 4. His interest and focus also wanes on defense at times, which is a misallocation of his God-given talents on that end. He’d have to get quicker to contain NBA guards, and he’d have to become stronger to defend bigger and stronger forwards.
Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Doncic still No. 1 in post-lottery edition
However, on paper, Kevin Knox projects to be a versatile combo forward. If he can hone in his skills, the 3-and-D label and the multi-positional label wouldn’t be too far behind.