NBA Draft 2024: Kevin Durant Inspired 6’6 Guard’s Path to the Pros, Emulating Anthony Edwards’ Story

With the 2024 NBA Draft’s day one kicked off, a certain pick’s story has raised similar eyebrows to that of Ant-Man’s fan-boying. Kevin Durant has been an inspiration to many, with a lot of youngsters who look up to him. Such is this year’s draftee, Dalton Knecht. The projected top-ten pick is a 6-foot-6 forward/ shooting guard out of Tennessee. Knecht has spent quite some time in college before declaring for the draft. His last two years have been to the scout’s liking and entering this year’s draft profile, Knecht couldn’t help but praise his favorite player after whom he shaped his game.

“I’ve always modeled my game after Kevin Durant and it hasn’t changed. He’s been my favorite player ever since I first started watching basketball. I watched probably almost every single YouTube video about it, his highlights and stuff.”, said Knecht.

The same praise might remind some fans of Anthony Edwards whose idol is also Durant. Edwards had made it pretty obvious that KD was his favorite player, and he admitted, “I watched every last one of his games since I’ve been about five.” And watching the two of them face off in the last postseason was a sight to see. Interestingly, Knecht is also a player who has been a KD fan ever since he was a kid. He’s also a shooting guard and around the same height as Edwards. However, for Knecht, his journey from college to the NBA did take time. He played in Northern Colorado till his senior year, in which he averaged over 20 ppg. while being a major shooting threat.

After the 2022-23 season, he exercised the 5th year of his eligibility and joined the Volunteers where his game completely transformed. His ability to call his own shots separates him from players of his size and position. He can also jump higher, touching 39 inches at max during the Combine. Considering his skill set, Knecht may just be looked upon as a top-ten pick.

The Kevin Durant fan may be a sleeper in this year’s Draft!

Playing for the Volunteers, Knecht averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, while shooting almost 40% from deep. The 23-year-old played an extra collegiate season to prove his worth and things worked out for him pretty well. It is interesting to note that Knecht was just 6″1 during his senior year. The sudden growth spurt inclined toward his game, making him even more versatile on the floor.

Knecht tends to run hot and cold as a shooter and finisher. However, the former Volunteer knows how to score and put up numbers on the stats sheet when he’s having a sharp day. Last season, he made at least 4 three-pointers in 11 games. Even though his team lost in the Elite 8 to Purdue, he recorded a 6-12 haul. On the other hand, he’s yet to improve his positioning and quickness and the opponents might look to exploit that aspect of his game when he steps on the NBA hardwood.

As per the mock draft, he’ll be picked by either the Hornets, the Blazers, the Grizzlies, or the Jazz. Either way, he will be a promising and developing fit. Yes, he is a 23-year-old rookie, but in terms of his production, he is still a great asset and can work his way up.

It will be interesting to see Knecht on the draft day, as he hopes to see his name early on the Draft board. What are your thoughts on Dalton? Where do you want to see him play? Let us know in the comments.

For more interesting NBA content, make sure to watch our conversation with Leonard Armato, who speaks about the Lakers, Shaq, and more in the video below.