2018 NBA Mock Draft: Promises, promises

Shockingly, Knox shot back into the top nine in ESPN’s latest rankings update, which would appearingly signify heavy interest from some team in the top nine to force the writers’ hands so that they put Knox at nine. He should not be the pick.

There are real concerns about Knox, who seemingly fits into the 3-and-D athlete mold, is actually an above-average athlete. He measured with just a 7-0 wingspan despite standing 6-9. Mikal Bridges, competing to be selected in this same range, is 6-7 with a 7-2 wingspan. That’s the type of length that affects a game — Knox is just tall.

Knox does have decent feel as a shooter, with upside as someone who could attack closeouts and make difficult plays on the move. He can make an array of floaters and layups within 15 feet, plus he made 34 percent of his 3s this year. If he can improve as a passer (53 assists to a whopping 85 turnovers this season), he could be a solid offensive player.

The defense is actually a bigger question, where his mobility won’t be such a dynamic matchup problem for opposing schemes in the NBA and his troublesome steal and block percentages could make it difficult for Knox to have an impact. The numbers show a failure to make use of physical tools, and watching Knox bares the same result.

He would be a good fit alongside Kristaps Porzingis and Frank Ntilikina, but the value proposition would not favor New York if they took him.