[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2024 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Dalton Knecht
Frame: 6’5″, 212 lbs
Position: Guard
Team: Tennessee Volunteers
2024 Draft Age: 23
Stats via www.basketball-reference.com

Offense

Though Knecht took a different path to finally find success on the national scale, he arrived at Tennessee as a three-level scoring threat with a high-level understanding of the game. He takes care of the ball and is a highly effective off-ball player. Knecht is an older prospect, having spent two years at Northeastern Junior College and another two years at Northern Colorado before committing to Tennessee this past season. He has a very high release on his jumper, making it difficult to contest or force him to alter his look unless a much taller player is switched on to him.

Knecht also has a knack for using ball screens to find open spaces to operate in and drive through the lane. After maneuvering around to get open, his footspeed and balance on his jumper give him a solid base from which to spring. Knecht doesn’t jump forward with his shot, keeping his below-the-waist movement to a minimum, allowing him to focus on his form and repeatable motion when rising up. In his lone season in Knoxville, he connected on close to 40 percent from deep and just under 46 percent from the field overall.

A high-volume scorer, Knecht took difficult shots and was a focal point of the Volunteers offense this season. At the NBA level, Knecht’s percentages may improve if he takes cleaner shots as a secondary or tertiary option on offense, depending on where he is selected. He showed marked improvements in his game from high school to Tennessee, so history is in his favor to trend for continued growth once he joins his new team.

A drawback of Knecth’s game is a narrow offensive focus. He brings energy every night, but that frequently gets exerted on the offensive side of the ball and has led to high turnovers. He also is not the type of player who gets the ball, and it doesn’t move until he gets his shot. Knecht is a solid connector but sometimes forces a pass that may not be there or the window has closed, adding to those turnovers.

Knecht’s offense has lifted him up draft boards as a three-level, energetic scorer with a killer instinct from the opening tip. Knecht is confident in his scoring ability and rises up, exuding that confidence into his shot. His sneaky athleticism may surprise at the next level. He may flourish in more open free-form offenses, and Knecht can throw the hammer down at the rim when needed.

Defense

Knecht needs to improve most on the defensive side of the ball. He needs to work on his lateral quickness, but he has the tools to be a successful defender. Knecht measured a 6’9″ wingspan at the NBA Draft Combine and has shown an understanding of schemes and where he needs to be in relation to his offensive assignments. He tested well athletically, which may mean it’s about focus, coaching and effort to activate that side of his game more consistently.

From a rebounding perspective, Knecht does well crashing the glass from the wing spot. His length and positioning help him box out and secure rebounds. If Knecht can show the same commitment to defense as his rebounding, there’s hope for him to become more of a two-way player.

Looking Ahead

Knecht has solidified himself as a top lottery selection in this draft. The combination of his offensive skills, length and sneaky athleticism suggests a potential 15-point-per-game scorer, if not better. Though he’s not an elite defender, the foundation is there that he can continue to build on with his work ethic and dedication to the game. His best defensive fit will be on a team with seasoned players who can help hide some of his deficiencies until they have potentially improved.

His microwave scoring ability immediately stands out and will get him minutes. Having a high-release jumper and the craftiness to find creases to get his own shot off will be helpful in a more one-on-one scenario in the NBA. Improving his playmaking skills could also come down the line, improving his overall game and ability to include teammates at a better rate. Seizing the opportunity, Knecht took full advantage of his extra year of eligibility and made his mark on the national stage, catapulting him into the lottery discussion.