2018 NBA Mock Draft: Knicks go big with Mo Bamba

With Igor Kokoskov in place as the Suns’ coach, what can we say about the kinds of players Phoenix will target? How does Knox fit into that?

In Utah this year, Kokoskov, Quin Snyder and general manager Dennis Lindsey have put together a roster with tons of wing talent, defense everywhere, and with everyone capable of making shots that come when they do their job. The system doesn’t ask Rudy Gobert to make shots off the dribble or Donovan Mitchell to post against mismatches — rather it creates space for them to make the shots that they’re best at.

Knox could easily slide into the spots occupied by Royce O’Neale, Joe Ingles and Jae Crowder for the Jazz. Those guys engage the offense, reverse the ball, set screens, cut and spot up. Their ability to make the defensive pay attention while they do it all is their greatest value. Knox may not be at that level as a passer or screener at this point, but he comes in ready to be a 3-and-D contributor. Kokoskov is credited with developing players into great parts of that system, and could do the same with Knox.

Playing alongside Josh Jackson at forward, Knox would turn the Suns’ defensive versatility on its head and boost their ceiling on that end.