Dalton Knecht - 2024 NBA Draft Prospect

[timvp]

https://www.spurstalk.com/dalton-knecht-spurs-2024-nba-draft/

[Dverde]

I think he is a safe pick and worth considering at 8. Memphis probably drafts him at 9.

[Notorious H.O.P.]

I think they go with raw players with more upside this year and give them plenty of court time to stealth tank for one last shot at the lottery next year.

[VBM]

Another feather in the cap for team #tradethepicks

[ChumpDumper]

Ultimately, though, my guess is the Spurs will opt for a prospect with more provable upside.
I agree they'll probably pick someone else, but upside is neither provable nor disprovable at this point. That's the main reason this draft is so maddening. Potential upside -- the other players have that in spades.

I just want to get one proven (in the past) volume 3 point shooter. The Spurs need a 40% on 5 shots a game guy and it's fine if he's starting or coming off the bench, especially if Osman isn't coming back. There just aren't that many guys in the draft that can currently do that and my hopium tank for post-draft shooting development is just about empty.

[BatManu20]

I like Knecht, he had a great season at Tennessee and was the best offensive player in CBB this year. Can really shoot the rock. But, he's a slightly shorter Doug McDermott. Think the Spurs pass on him tbh, even if he is available at 8.

[BatManu20]

I think he is a safe pick and worth considering at 8. Memphis probably drafts him at 9.

Unless Clingan is available at 9, in which case Memphis likely runs their card up to the podium tbh. They desperately need a Center to replace Steven Adams' spot on the roster.

[DPG21920]

I agree they'll probably pick someone else, but upside is neither provable nor disprovable at this point. That's the main reason this draft is so maddening. Potential upside -- the other players have that in spades.

I just want to get one proven (in the past) volume 3 point shooter. The Spurs need a 40% on 5 shots a game guy and it's fine if he's starting or coming off the bench, especially if Osman isn't coming back. There just aren't that many guys in the draft that can currently do that and my hopium tank for post-draft shooting development is just about empty.

Thats part of the reason I want to move Keldon all things considered. Not only are we not getting the 3PT shooting but we dont get the defense either. Being able to reset on Keldon with someone who has as big of role but at least has better defense and/or better 3PT shooting would be so big for SA even if that’s a 6th man.

[jesterbobman]

I would avoid Knecht.

I know he's a good shooter, and the unusual path gives me some hope that he hasn't just got to a point of dominating the youth in CBB, but I don't think he's a top 8 player (or close, really. I'd have guys like Collier well ahead of him).

As an illustration, I think he's a better prospect, by a little bit, than Baylor Schierman. But there's a chance Baylor is there at 35 if we need that archetype of player.
https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=dalton-knecht--baylor-scheierman

Not necessarily advocating picking Baylor (DaRon, trading up for Tyler Smith, Dadiet as a draft and stash, etc), but I'd be much happier with him at 35 than Knecht at 8.

[TD 21]

Thats part of the reason I want to move Keldon all things considered. Not only are we not getting the 3PT shooting but we dont get the defense either. Being able to reset on Keldon with someone who has as big of role but at least has better defense and/or better 3PT shooting would be so big for SA even if that’s a 6th man.

Yet you seem to think he'd be worth a top 5 pick or as the centerpiece in a package for a borderline star, with minimal draft capital attached.

[DPG21920]

Yet you seem to think he'd be worth a top 5 pick or as the centerpiece in a package for a borderline star, with minimal draft capital attached.

Lmao a borderline star. Look, Keldon with his flaws would be a top pick in this draft. 5th pick is like the 15th-20th in normal drafts by all accounts.

[TD 21]

Lmao a borderline star. Look, Keldon with his flaws would be a top pick in this draft. 5th pick is like the 15th-20th in normal drafts by all accounts.

I meant Garland (who I'd actually consider a pseudo star, but I was going by consensus).

The 20 year old one wouldn't have been and even though people have posited that about this draft, a lot of the job of executives is being salesmen to their various constituencies (ownership, star(s), media, fans) and there's still a certain prestige to being a top 5 pick, enough so to not trade it for a non starting caliber player.

[DPG21920]

I meant Garland (who I'd actually consider a pseudo star, but I was going by consensus).

The 20 year old one wouldn't have been and even though people have posited that about this draft, a lot of the job of executives is being salesmen to their various constituencies (ownership, star(s), media, fans) and there's still a certain prestige to being a top 5 pick, enough so to not trade it for a non starting caliber player.

Literally every single DET fan Ive spoken too with several replies all seemingly was very happy with my Keldon trade proposal for what its worth….and for Garland its about salary matching and diversification on the Mitchell Garland pairing and Keldon is young, solid and fits better while still being young. CLE will need salary and if Garland asks out, with his deal and lack of performance next to Mitchell, I don’t think they are getting star players; they will hope to get a good one plus picks to use to trade etc…

[TD 21]

Literally every single DET fan Ive spoken too with several replies all seemingly was very happy with my Keldon trade proposal for what its worth….and for Garland its about salary matching and diversification on the Mitchell Garland pairing and Keldon is young, solid and fits better while still being young. CLE will need salary and if Garland asks out, with his deal and lack of performance next to Mitchell, I don’t think they are getting star players; they will hope to get a good one plus picks to use to trade etc…

Fans don't make trades and there's no precedent for a player like him going for a pick like that and no reason to think it'll change.

The Lowe Post - Championship Paths, Defending Luka, the Impact of Porzingis, and Draft Chatter | ESPN (https://www.espn.com/radio/play/_/id/40276731)

Givony at 1:26:33: "And so the Spurs come to them (Cavaliers) and say hey, we'll give you Keldon Johnson and the 4th pick for Darius Garland; Cavs are gonna laugh at them and say like absolutely not. That's not interesting to us at all. It's going to take a lot more to get Darius Garland."

[DPG21920]

Fans don't make trades and there's no precedent for a player like him going for a pick like that and no reason to think it'll change.

The Lowe Post - Championship Paths, Defending Luka, the Impact of Porzingis, and Draft Chatter | ESPN (https://www.espn.com/radio/play/_/id/40276731)

Givony at 1:26:33: "And so the Spurs come to them (Cavaliers) and say hey, we'll give you Keldon Johnson and the 4th pick for Darius Garland; Cavs are gonna laugh at them and say like absolutely not. That's not interesting to us at all. It's going to take a lot more to get Darius Garland."

Good! Let’s see what they get for Garland then. I dont care about that and sure, trading for Garland is a much different story than pick 5 for DET.

It’s asking DET who would be getting a known player that fits solid and is locked up on a good deal: Would you trade Buzelis for Keldon (functionally)> I think for DET situation that seems not only fair but appealing.

Garland may be very different and two things may happen: They see the market is colder than they hoped for Garland but hes forcing his way out anyways OR he’s worth a ton and theres a legit bidding war where they get a much better player than Keldon and that’s what they value over a good player + top 5 pick.

But by your logic on DET deal, a top 5 pick is EXTREMELY valuable.

[mo7888]

Fans don't make trades and there's no precedent for a player like him going for a pick like that and no reason to think it'll change.

The Lowe Post - Championship Paths, Defending Luka, the Impact of Porzingis, and Draft Chatter | ESPN (https://www.espn.com/radio/play/_/id/40276731)

Givony at 1:26:33: "And so the Spurs come to them (Cavaliers) and say hey, we'll give you Keldon Johnson and the 4th pick for Darius Garland; Cavs are gonna laugh at them and say like absolutely not. That's not interesting to us at all. It's going to take a lot more to get Darius Garland."

Givony's premis is wrong. The Spurs aren't going to the Cavs to inquire. Clutch is going to the Spurs and then to the Cavs saying they want out. That changes the dynamic.

[exstatic]

Good! Let’s see what they get for Garland then. I dont care about that and sure, trading for Garland is a much different story than pick 5 for DET.

It’s asking DET who would be getting a known player that fits solid and is locked up on a good deal: Would you trade Buzelis for Keldon (functionally)> I think for DET situation that seems not only fair but appealing.

Garland may be very different and two things may happen: They see the market is colder than they hoped for Garland but hes forcing his way out anyways OR he’s worth a ton and theres a legit bidding war where they get a much better player than Keldon and that’s what they value over a good player + top 5 pick.

But by your logic on DET deal, a top 5 pick is EXTREMELY valuable.

Garland isn’t forcing his way out, Mitchell is forcing him out.

[TD 21]

Good! Let’s see what they get for Garland then. I dont care about that and sure, trading for Garland is a much different story than pick 5 for DET.

It’s asking DET who would be getting a known player that fits solid and is locked up on a good deal: Would you trade Buzelis for Keldon (functionally)> I think for DET situation that seems not only fair but appealing.

Garland may be very different and two things may happen: They see the market is colder than they hoped for Garland but hes forcing his way out anyways OR he’s worth a ton and theres a legit bidding war where they get a much better player than Keldon and that’s what they value over a good player + top 5 pick.

But by your logic on DET deal, a top 5 pick is EXTREMELY valuable.

The Pistons are rumored to have Harris in the bag and Bridges is another candidate. No, they're not amazing, but they're starting forwards all the same.

It's not that the 5th pick in this draft is "extremely valuable", it's that Johnson isn't.

Garland apparently has a bigger market than Young.


Givony's premis is wrong. The Spurs aren't going to the Cavs to inquire. Clutch is going to the Spurs and then to the Cavs saying they want out. That changes the dynamic.

Still, the Spurs pathway to Garland is probably the Cavaliers being unable to turn him into Ingram and it becoming a 3 team trade where they get Grant, Kuzma, etc. instead.

[DPG21920]

Garland isn’t forcing his way out, Mitchell is forcing him out.

From the reports it would be Garland requesting a trade if Mitchell is signed. Not that Mitchell is asking him to be moved. Semantics to a degree I guess?

[DPG21920]

The Pistons are rumored to have Harris in the bag and Bridges is another candidate. No, they're not amazing, but they're starting forwards all the same.

It's not that the 5th pick in this draft is "extremely valuable", it's that Johnson isn't.

Garland apparently has a bigger market than Young.



Still, the Spurs pathway to Garland is probably the Cavaliers being unable to turn him into Ingram and it becoming a 3 team trade where they get Grant, Kuzma, etc. instead.

Sure, but that doesn’t change the calculus on Spurs end of what they pay. Whether CLE values Keldon or not is not the point. It’s that from Spurs end the cost is Keldon + 4 more or less.

[mo7888]

The Pistons are rumored to have Harris in the bag and Bridges is another candidate. No, they're not amazing, but they're starting forwards all the same.

It's not that the 5th pick in this draft is "extremely valuable", it's that Johnson isn't.

Garland apparently has a bigger market than Young.



Still, the Spurs pathway to Garland is probably the Cavaliers being unable to turn him into Ingram and it becoming a 3 team trade where they get Grant, Kuzma, etc. instead.

Agreed.... I seriously doubt we're the top destination the team prefers, although we may very well be the top team his agent prefers..

[couchman]

I see shades of Devin Booker when I see Knecht play.
He has a very similar body and size, similar if not better athletic gifts, and makes a lot of the same shots.
Knecht is a solid prospect who will occasionally blow up for huge games because he is someone who can get white hot while making NBA shots.

I'm not sure of his fit with the Spurs, who already have a similar player in Vassell.
I think Knecht and Vassell are a similar age!

[exstatic]

I see shades of Devin Booker when I see Knecht play.
He has a very similar body and size, similar if not better athletic gifts, and makes a lot of the same shots.
Knecht is a solid prospect who will occasionally blow up for huge games because he is someone who can get white hot while making NBA shots.

I'm not sure of his fit with the Spurs, who already have a similar player in Vassell.
I think Knecht and Vassell are a similar age!

Devin Booker was 19 when drafted. Knecht will be 23. He’s been basically beating up on HS kids in the period where Book was cutting his NBA Teeth. Knecht isn’t Book, he’s a homeless McDermott.

[CGD]

Unless we’re picking him 8 and immediately trading him the CLE in a Garland deal, I’m a hard pass. Im sure there are exceptions, but we have a pretty big sample size of older players.

[The Truth #6]

I think Knecht has better profile than McB. More varied offense. Better athlete. Less completely awful defender. Quibbling, I suppose. But much different mentality. I'd say homeless/indebted White Mamba? Lol.

[rankingtear]

He is too strong, athletic and physical to have a Dougie outcome defensively. Dougie who can close games is worth a lottery pick on a Wemby led team.

[AFBlue]

Would rather go with a high-upside swing at 8 vs. an old shooting-only role player. Of course, that depends what the Spurs do at 4. This one doesn't seem like a Spurs fit.

[rankingtear]

Strus and Bogdan are top 60-70 impact players at the wing that provide spacing and does not eat much on ball reps nor much cap space. This what your projected to get with Knecht. This is a Derrick White type puzzle piece just on a different archetype.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

normally i'd say hard pass but the spurs suck so hard at shooting that why not

[DPG21920]

I would be pretty pissed if Spurs pick him lol

[Cabrito]

He is this year’s Kelly Tripuka. Good enough to start on a bad team, but not good enough for a contender.

[exstatic]

I would be pretty pissed if Spurs pick him lol

We finally agree on something. :rollin

[exstatic]

Strus and Bogdan are top 60-70 impact players at the wing that provide spacing and does not eat much on ball reps nor much cap space. This what your projected to get with Knecht. This is a Derrick White type puzzle piece just on a different archetype.

Derrick White was picked at 29. Max Strus was UNDRAFTED. You’re talking about using a #8 overall pick on such a player. It’s nonsense. If you want a designated shooter, just go sign one in free agency, and take a big swing with #8.

[DPG21920]

We finally agree on something. :rollin

lol - I think we agree on plenty. It’s just that this draft is highly contentious and unpredictable so there’s going to be a lot of opinions and avenues to discuss.

I think we mostly just disagree on risk/reward and framing our thoughts in that lens.

[rankingtear]

Derrick White was picked at 29. Max Strus was UNDRAFTED. You’re talking about using a #8 overall pick on such a player. It’s nonsense. If you want a designated shooter, just go sign one in free agency, and take a big swing with #8.

Top 60-70 impact player for the 8th pick in a down class sure I would. You get spacing with size between Devin, Knecht, Wemby. You can run the most unguardable actions with Wemby and those 2 off ball wings. Still having enough cap space and usage for grabs and zero midgets.

[GAustex]

0 midgets

[duncan2150]

Not high on knecht With one of our picks. Not much upside here. Could be a solid rotation player but i don’t see a starter in the making.

[rascal]

Not high on knecht With one of our picks. Not much upside here. Could be a solid rotation player but i don’t see a starter in the making.

Agree, not talented enough to be an NBA starter

Can find a similar player in FA/ Don't burn a lottery pick on him

[Knoxxx]

Well sadly he would instantly be our best shooter. And coupled with a non shooter like Castle at 4, unless we are tanking that always made sense with Dilly as the preferred option at 8 if he fell.

Sheppard at 4, makes sense to couple with your favorite project wing at 8 such as Buzelis, Holland, or I like C Williams who has the best length and has flashed 3 PT shooting.

[exstatic]

Well sadly he would instantly be our best shooter. And coupled with a non shooter like Castle at 4, unless we are tanking that always made sense with Dilly as the preferred option at 8 if he fell.

Sheppard at 4, makes sense to couple with your favorite project wing at 8 such as Buzelis, Holland, or I like C Williams who has the best length and has flashed 3 PT shooting.
Sign Malik Monk, for fucks sake, and draft someone with some upside.

[SpursDynasty85]

Sign Malik Monk, for fucks sake, and draft someone with some upside.

Upside? He looks better than Keldon Johnson is right now. Had growth spurts delayed 3-4 years than most NBA players so like Derrick White, he has room to grow into his mid to late 20's.

[exstatic]

Upside? He looks better than Keldon Johnson is right now. Had growth spurts delayed 3-4 years than most NBA players so like Derrick White, he has room to grow into his mid to late 20's.

He’s almost in his mid 20s, now. He’s an archetype you can easily sign in FA. Why would you waste any draft pick on that, let alone a lottery pick?

[The Truth #6]

He’s almost in his mid 20s, now. He’s an archetype you can easily sign in FA. Why would you waste any draft pick on that, let alone a lottery pick?

Because the draft sucks and I'd rather take Knecht then get Tiddy Fucked, so to speak on upside that doesn't exist.

[mo7888]

Because the draft sucks and I'd rather take Knecht then get Tiddy Fucked, so to speak on upside that doesn't exist.

Also, Knecht is such a late bloomer with that growth spurt, there may be a little more upside than with a typical 23 year old.

[The Truth #6]

Also, Knecht is such a late bloomer with that growth spurt, there may be a little more upside than with a typical 23 year old.

Agree. I've made that argument as well. Knecht isn't the hill I'm going to die on, but I was intrigued by him early on. He has a unique path. It's not like he was at UT for 4 years. He came from North Colorado State or wherever and dominated right away.

As for just sign a free agent instead: again, the draft sucks, free agents have to get overpaid to come to SA historically, and I'd take Knecht at half the price of Monk, for example, though I'm generalizing here. Players do keep improving once they get to the NBA.

[spurraider21]

im not crazy about him but id be mroe satisfied with taking knecht at 8 than i would salaun...

[SpursFan86]

im not crazy about him but id be mroe satisfied with taking knecht at 8 than i would salaun...

Pretty much. Especially if we grab a non-shooter like Castle at 4.

[LeBowen]

He'll never be a good defender, my question would be if he can become a better playmaker?
Monk was mentioned and he averaged 5 assists. Maybe that's too much to ask for.
Since their measurements are similar, could he become a Bogdan Bogdanovic?
If he's just a shooter, not worth the pick, imo.

[The Truth #6]

Really depends on who drops. Holland vs Knecht vs Cody will be an interesting decision.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

He only looks good because he's old.

Hard pass, unless he's there when we draft in second round.

[mo7888]

Really depends on who drops. Holland vs Knecht vs Cody will be an interesting decision.

My order of preference there would be Williams, then Knecht, then Holland.

[DPG21920]

Holland, Williams, Knecht for me

[spurraider21]

Holland, Williams, Knecht for me
samesies

then salaun

[The Truth #6]

He is this year’s Kelly Tripuka. Good enough to start on a bad team, but not good enough for a contender.

Minus the glorious mullet. I was thinking Kiki Vandeweghe

[T Park]

The team needs secondary scoring. 3 point shooting. Someone to help make the droughts less and less.


Knecht helps with that off the bench. He 100% helps raise the floor of the team.

[ChumpDumper]

samesies

then salaunKnecht is muh safety pick because I want Dilly at #4.

I would trade down to get Holmes or Da Silva before drafting Salaun.

[duncan2150]

https://x.com/SpursReporter/status/1798741739018015179 "Hearing that the #Spurs- in an effort to accelerate their timeline- are reportedly very interested in bringing in 23 year old Dalton Knecht with one of their two top picks. As I explained in last night’s NBA Radio Hoops Talk Space hosted by @KDotTKL, there seems to have been a temperature change in regards to drafting a point guard at all since there are persistent trade rumors and because none of the point guards available appear to be NBA-ready. Knecht is seen as “day one ready.” Will follow up with more later".Is this a reliable source ?

[mo7888]

https://x.com/SpursReporter/status/1798741739018015179 "Hearing that the #Spurs- in an effort to accelerate their timeline- are reportedly very interested in bringing in 23 year old Dalton Knecht with one of their two top picks. As I explained in last night’s NBA Radio Hoops Talk Space hosted by @KDotTKL, there seems to have been a temperature change in regards to drafting a point guard at all since there are persistent trade rumors and because none of the point guards available appear to be NBA-ready. Knecht is seen as “day one ready.” Will follow up with more later".Is this a reliable source ?

Interesting.... meltdown in 3...2...1...

[DPG21920]

Interesting.... meltdown in 3...2...1...

Spurs have 20M in cap space to accomplish that “win now” goal. So that report doesnt make too much sense to me logically.

[The Truth #6]

Spurs don't leak this kind of stuff historically. But they probably like to plant stories? Who knows.

[Extra Stout]

Spurs don't leak this kind of stuff historically. But they probably like to plant stories? Who knows.
There’s also the Wemby’s-camp-leaking-to-apply-pressure-on-PATFO element.

[DPG21920]

Spurs don't leak this kind of stuff historically. But they probably like to plant stories? Who knows.

I mean I think what happens sometimes is there are tons of sceneries discussed. Teams have plans for multiple scenarios. So its not that it’s necessarily a strong source vs just hearing “oh, this was discussed as an avenue” then gets reported etc..

[mo7888]

Spurs have 20M in cap space to accomplish that “win now” goal. So that report doesnt make too much sense to me logically.

They can do both things...

[DPG21920]

They can do both things...

Sure - but seems very silly to not draft BPA with your pick and instead focus on who can help “win now” when you have 20M in cap space to address winning now. Of course, it *can* happen but it doesnt make very much sense to pass on best player/talent in the draft for someone who may be a bit more ready to help a team win 25-35 games.

[mo7888]

Sure - but seems very silly to not draft BPA with your pick and instead focus on who can help “win now” when you have 20M in cap space to address winning now. Of course, it *can* happen but it doesnt make very much sense to pass on best player/talent in the draft for someone who may be a bit more ready to help a team win 25-35 games.

That assumes Knecht isn't BPA when they pick. If it's at 4 I don't think he's BPA, but at 8, it's possible depending on who falls.

[Extra Stout]

I have a hard time reconciling “he grades out as a second-round player” with “he’ll be BPA at 8 and the Spurs will take him.”

I think there’s pressure on the Spurs from Wemby’s camp not to sit on their hands and wait 2-3 years for player development before making the playoffs, but I don’t think that translates into drafting Dalton Knecht.

[mo7888]

I have a hard time reconciling “he grades out as a second-round player” with “he’ll be BPA at 8 and the Spurs will take him.”

I think there’s pressure on the Spurs from Wemby’s camp not to sit on their hands and wait 2-3 years for player development before making the playoffs, but I don’t think that translates into drafting Dalton Knecht.

I don't put a lot of stock in how he grades out and I have no idea whether the Spurs draft him or not, but he is one of the more nba ready guys in this draft and I have him 7 on my board which isn't alot different than most mocks out there.

[CGD]

Interesting.... meltdown in 3...2...1...

Melting down over here, lol

He'd be awesome to draft at 8 and ship to CLE in a Garland deal! Fits their timeline nicely!

[TrainOfThought5]

Interesting.... meltdown in 3...2...1...

Castle at 4, and Knecht at 8 makes sense.

[The Truth #6]

There’s also the Wemby’s-camp-leaking-to-apply-pressure-on-PATFO element.

If so, at least that's better than VW pushing Salaun. Ha!

[PhantomDashCam]

1798849122033975591

[The Truth #6]

Buzelis at 4, Knecht at 8. Two athletic, promising yet melanin-deprived players. An upside swing. A player who can help now who hasn't plateaued yet. Seems reasonable to me. I assume, of course , most would hate this.

[z0sa]

I'm torn on Knecht, only because he fills the exact same role Vassell does and I bet Vassell does it quite a bit better. Maybe as a bench player he'd be good, but then what about Keldon? Is he really better than Keldon?

Why is this draft so fucked up?

[DPG21920]

I'm torn on Knecht, only because he fills the exact same role Vassell does and I bet Vassell does it quite a bit better. Maybe as a bench player he'd be good, but then what about Keldon? Is he really better than Keldon?

Why is this draft so fucked up?

His ability to shoot 3 ball should make him more useful in many ways, but better is questionable. Like Julian spaces the floor better which is why he starts, but hes not better than Keldon

[DPG21920]

I don't put a lot of stock in how he grades out and I have no idea whether the Spurs draft him or not, but he is one of the more nba ready guys in this draft and I have him 7 on my board which isn't alot different than most mocks out there.

Thats fine - but the premise of the rumor/tweet was implied that BPA is not the goal, but getting win now players. So that sort of implies that they would be eschewing BPA in favor of more ready older draft candidates. But ya, hes in that range anyways due to weakness of drafts so it’s not egregious in terms of reaching or anything in terms of projected draft range.

[mo7888]

Thats fine - but the premise of the rumor/tweet was implied that BPA is not the goal, but getting win now players. So that sort of implies that they would be eschewing BPA in favor of more ready older draft candidates. But ya, hes in that range anyways due to weakness of drafts so it’s not egregious in terms of reaching or anything in terms of projected draft range.

That's a fair assessment. Honestly, this has been the hardest draft I can remember to get my mind wrapped around. Having two picks in a flat draft with no consensus on a hierarchy leaves more paths that we can take than I have ever seen. Some days it is fascinating to think about and some days it's more than I wanna think about....

Mini rant over...

[DesignatedT]

I wouldn’t mind Knecht at 8. This team is in big need of shooters and I think he might surprise some people with his athleticism. I think whoever you take at 4 has a lot of boom or bust potential and Knecht balances that out with a pretty solid floor.

[z0sa]

His ability to shoot 3 ball should make him more useful in many ways, but better is questionable. Like Julian spaces the floor better which is why he starts, but hes not better than Keldon

That's where I struggle to see his fit. He needs playing time to improve, if he's able to improve. Can't do that when Keldon is the man when Vassell and Wemby are on the bench. Can we go with a 3 combo-guard lineup? Something tells me that's suicide.

[Atl Spur]

I wouldn’t mind Knecht at 8. This team is in big need of shooters and I think he might surprise some people with his athleticism. I think whoever you take at 4 has a lot of boom or bust potential and Knecht balances that out with a pretty solid floor.

This man competes..

[DPG21920]

That's a fair assessment. Honestly, this has been the hardest draft I can remember to get my mind wrapped around. Having two picks in a flat draft with no consensus on a hierarchy leaves more paths that we can take than I have ever seen. Some days it is fascinating to think about and some days it's more than I wanna think about....

Mini rant over...

Same. I would love to trade these picks if I thought it would lead to a solid player(s) in return. But this is a big time “trust the spurs” draft. Have to find a good player and trust regardless of my opinions they have their guys.

[DPG21920]

That's where I struggle to see his fit. He needs playing time to improve, if he's able to improve. Can't do that when Keldon is the man when Vassell and Wemby are on the bench. Can we go with a 3 combo-guard lineup? Something tells me that's suicide.

Thats why a Castle + Risacher draft is so interesting. Keeps SA very big and adds some shooting at least. Castle/Vassell/Risacher/Sochan/Wemby is a big lineup.

[Ignazzz]

With 4+8 impossible

[heyheymymy]

That's a fair assessment. Honestly, this has been the hardest draft I can remember to get my mind wrapped around. Having two picks in a flat draft with no consensus on a hierarchy leaves more paths that we can take than I have ever seen. Some days it is fascinating to think about and some days it's more than I wanna think about....

Mini rant over...

It's been a roller coaster for me. So many different combos and all super subjective since nobody is real sure fire. It's a draft I can't wait to look back on and re grade.

[heyheymymy]

Thats why a Castle + Risacher draft is so interesting. Keeps SA very big and adds some shooting at least. Castle/Vassell/Risacher/Sochan/Wemby is a big lineup.

No idea how that combo realistically happens but sign me up

[Mr. Body]

https://x.com/SpursReporter/status/1798741739018015179 "Hearing that the #Spurs- in an effort to accelerate their timeline- are reportedly very interested in bringing in 23 year old Dalton Knecht with one of their two top picks. As I explained in last night’s NBA Radio Hoops Talk Space hosted by @KDotTKL, there seems to have been a temperature change in regards to drafting a point guard at all since there are persistent trade rumors and because none of the point guards available appear to be NBA-ready. Knecht is seen as “day one ready.” Will follow up with more later".Is this a reliable source ?

I'm not surprised Knecht is on the radar. Definitely makes sense. At 4 it might be a stretch, but he may go 5 anyway.

Not sure how the point guard part makes sense. None of the forwards are really more or less game ready than the points. Which points do they mean? Sheppard is probably going to see the floor in rotations right away. No player in this draft projects as an automatic starter. Might be, but it's not obvious.

[tbdog]

From what I've read, I realistically want Knecht at 8 if we draft a point at 4. Dream realistic draft would be Shepherd and Knecht tbh. Having one rookie ready to contribute right away would be ideal. Then if Spurs do something with free agency eg Pat Williams.

Even if Spurs say go with a trade route for Garland, and keep pick 8, Knecht is still my pick.

[BatManu20]

YpT2H--gGos?si=00xpoeFNRbnJPJnC

[Knoxxx]

He didn't go crazy he missed half the shots. DA SPURS FANS being enticed by a win now prospect, though.

[ginobilized]

My sense of Knecht is he ends up somewhere between Weiskamp and a shorter McDermott.
I'm not seeing him as a great piece of the puzzle around Wemby. He'll make some 3's and give up more on the other end. He could be a nice 8th-9th man on a contender for offense.
I hope we steer clear of him.

[BatManu20]

He didn't go crazy he missed half the shots. DA SPURS FANS being enticed by a win now prospect, though.

12/15 is not "half." Math is hard.

[z0sa]

Thats why a Castle + Risacher draft is so interesting. Keeps SA very big and adds some shooting at least. Castle/Vassell/Risacher/Sochan/Wemby is a big lineup.

That would be fuckin' dreamy. I'd definitely take Castle at #8 if he was there and we managed Risacher at #4. That's a playin team, if both Castle and Risacher deliver as expected.

[DPG21920]

That would be fuckin' dreamy. I'd definitely take Castle at #8 if he was there and we managed Risacher at #4. That's a playin team, if both Castle and Risacher deliver as expected.

For sure - woudl have to be happy with that outcome regardless of how it turns out. I do have a lot more worries about Castle than seemingly so many others here. I like him and would be excited if the Spurs like him too, but Im pretty firmly in the camp of Reed>Castle at this point personally.

[Splits]

Please please please with 8

[ambchang]

The problem is that he has no lift on those threes. His release isn’t Uber quick. Sure he’s shooting against his imaginary friend in those shots but those are not shots he’d get in a game.

He has shown to be a great shooter in college but I’d rather have Dillingham or Sheppard.

[The Truth #6]

The problem is that he has no lift on those threes. His release isn’t Uber quick. Sure he’s shooting against his imaginary friend in those shots but those are not shots he’d get in a game.

He has shown to be a great shooter in college but I’d rather have Dillingham or Sheppard.

I'll have to look at his shot again. But first thought is that he'll still have a way easier time getting his shot off than Sheppard or Dillingham.

[T Park]

The problem is that he has no lift on those threes. His release isn’t Uber quick. Sure he’s shooting against his imaginary friend in those shots but those are not shots he’d get in a game.

He has shown to be a great shooter in college but I’d rather have Dillingham or Sheppard.


with wemby and Vassell out there he 100% is getting easy wide open shots

[DAF86]

Unlike most prospects in this draft (ike Castle, Holland, Williams, Salaun, etc.) this guy seems like a sure thing to stick in the league, at least as a rotation guy, imho.

[Obstructed_View]

I thought Dougie was going to feast with Victor out there, and he crashed and burned. There is no shooter in this draft better than last year's DM. With all the terrible passers on this team, the coaching staff is going to have to put shooters in a better position.

[rankingtear]

Still my guy after Zacch. Sam Vecenie talked about him, mentioned he is a top 5 talent in a motion heavy team like MIA, UTA and SAS. We are underrating how prospect like this can get 18-20 pts in the flow of the offense around a pivot big like Wemby.

[exstatic]

https://x.com/SpursReporter/status/1798741739018015179 "Hearing that the #Spurs- in an effort to accelerate their timeline- are reportedly very interested in bringing in 23 year old Dalton Knecht with one of their two top picks. As I explained in last night’s NBA Radio Hoops Talk Space hosted by @KDotTKL, there seems to have been a temperature change in regards to drafting a point guard at all since there are persistent trade rumors and because none of the point guards available appear to be NBA-ready. Knecht is seen as “day one ready.” Will follow up with more later".Is this a reliable source ?

It’s Crusty Schmarza, so no.

[Raven]

he's our best hope to see some of the good prospects fall. The guy will be useful from day one.

[AFBlue]

Still my guy after Zacch. Sam Vecenie talked about him, mentioned he is a top 5 talent in a motion heavy team like MIA, UTA and SAS. We are underrating how prospect like this can get 18-20 pts in the flow of the offense around a pivot big like Wemby.

This registered with me as well, though the defense remains the concern. Shooting is elite and athleticism/measurables are solid. Upside is limited, but if available at 8 it's enticing to get a high-floor known quantity.

[Knoxxx]

Oops...

[Uriel]

Wasn’t there talk that he was our target at #8 (before we decided to trade the pick)?

[rjv]

They’ll be shooters in this draft, too.

[thOOdee]

One of the prospects i would have been content with at #8. Always seemed to have that fearlessness in him.

[Russo21]

Popovic is an overrated shitbag. Handed the Lakers this sort of player while trading the 8th pick for something in 2050 or whenever it is. Overrated sack of shit, his stroke must have started draft day

[Chomag]

Brian Wright doing Brian Wrong things.

[GAustex]

Popovic is an overrated shitbag. Handed the Lakers this sort of player while trading the 8th pick for something in 2050 or whenever it is. Overrated sack of shit, his stroke must have started draft day
Solid post

[onechance87]

yea not looking good.Hes gotta be in the lead for roy

[Joseph Kony]

Popovic is an overrated shitbag. Handed the Lakers this sort of player while trading the 8th pick for something in 2050 or whenever it is. Overrated sack of shit, his stroke must have started draft day

he was taken 9 spots after the 8th pick, so 8 other teams also passed on him you crybaby pussy

[LkrFan]

I would avoid Knecht.

I know he's a good shooter, and the unusual path gives me some hope that he hasn't just got to a point of dominating the youth in CBB, but I don't think he's a top 8 player (or close, really. I'd have guys like Collier well ahead of him).

As an illustration, I think he's a better prospect, by a little bit, than Baylor Schierman. But there's a chance Baylor is there at 35 if we need that archetype of player.
https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=dalton-knecht--baylor-scheierman

Not necessarily advocating picking Baylor (DaRon, trading up for Tyler Smith, Dadiet as a draft and stash, etc), but I'd be much happier with him at 35 than Knecht at 8.

Thank you guys for not drafting "old man" Dalton Knecht. :toast

[SPURt]

The best shooter in the draft playing off LeBron James and Anthony Davis looks good? You don’t say? :lol Put him on the Pistons or Nets and get back to me

[Chomag]

he was taken 9 spots after the 8th pick, so 8 other teams also passed on him you crybaby pussy

That does not excuse the poor decisions though. There was still allot of talent still on the board at 8 and our FO decided to trade a lotto pick away for nothing but maybe for something in the very , very... very far future . Who even knows what anything is going to look like around then.

We are allowed to criticize bad decisions my friend.

[exstatic]

The best shooter in the draft playing off LeBron James and Anthony Davis looks good? You don’t say? :lol Put him on the Pistons or Nets and get back to me

This. Also, anyone remember Chris Duarte? Had a great rookie year after being selected at 23 YO, dropped off each of the next two years, and is currently rotting on the bench of one of our recent opponents, can’t remember which, but I saw his DNP CD in the box score. Older drafted players are usually pretty done with their development. Once the league has seen them, they usually find a way to neutralize them.

[exstatic]

That does not excuse the poor decisions though. There was still allot of talent still on the board at 8 and our FO decided to trade a lotto pick away for nothing but maybe for something in the very , very... very far future for a player . Who even knows what anything is going to look like around then.

We are allowed to criticize bad decisions my friend.

The ultimate payoff was an unprotected first, a #1 protected swap, and an unprotected swap for Harrison Barnes, a trade we couldn’t have made with that pick on the roster. Those picks and swaps were from franchises that are historically bad, and each backslid this year, and in Sacramento’s case, it’s a two year slide.

[Joseph Kony]

That does not excuse the poor decisions though. There was still allot of talent still on the board at 8 and our FO decided to trade a lotto pick away for nothing but maybe for something in the very , very... very far future . Who even knows what anything is going to look like around then.

We are allowed to criticize bad decisions my friend.

Of course, not disagreeing, and tbh i thought Knecht was the obvious pick at 8 for us. but the whiny bitch i was responding to is not simply criticizing the non pick and she claimed the spurs literally handed the Lakers the pick when a number of other teams also passed over Knecht and is gloating about pop's stroke (she did this in the stroke thread also)

that being said, it's also very early in the season and dude is a shooter playing next to Anthony Davis and LeBron James - of course he is going to look good in that role. he is also shooting like 60%+ from deep over the last few games which is obviously not sustainable, so to be crying over a pick because of a hot stretch of games 2 weeks into the season is fucking stupid to begin with. not to mention the last game came against the worst fucking team in the association :lol

[SPURt]

That does not excuse the poor decisions though. There was still allot of talent still on the board at 8 and our FO decided to trade a lotto pick away for nothing but maybe for something in the very , very... very far future . Who even knows what anything is going to look like around then.

We are allowed to criticize bad decisions my friend.
The draft is an absolute crap shoot. Almost every team passed on the Joker. Should every GM be fired for that? The Castle pick needed to be Wright and it was. For Knecht to have been taken at 8 would’ve had this whole board killing the servers with hate. The Spurs missed on Knecht, at best it’s a shoulder shrug :lol

[whatever!!!!]

Remind me what was Derrick white's age when he was drafted

[exstatic]

Remind me what was Derrick white's age when he was drafted

23, and ST considered him a bust when he was traded, because he couldn’t shoot the three.

You really logged in for the first time on an account created in 2018 to post that? Not the flex you think it is. The exception doesn’t disprove the rule.

[Leetonidas]

Knecht is shooting 67.7% from three over the last 4 games :lol I'm sure that'll hold up

[Mugen]

Lakers were a great landing spot for him tbh.

I'm sure the old man would have put him at PG or some shit if we ended up drafting him :lol

[LeBowen]

Champagnie is younger than Knecht, btw.

[Strategic]

Oh boy, lakers have another white boy that can shoot and knows where to run to. Toss in bronny and there’s a future big 3. Pfffftttt

[jesterbobman]

I can be honest that 15 games in, it looks like I was wrong on him in particular. The thought process of why I was low on him, that most older prospects do relatively badly in the NBA is generally true, but doesn't mean it will be in every case. There were points that he might be the exception (path through College) but I don't think the process of valuing age heavily in drafting is wrong.

[spurraider21]

Lakers were a great landing spot for him tbh.

I'm sure the old man would have put him at PG or some shit if we ended up drafting him :lol
PG or stretch 4

[Russ]

I can be honest that 15 games in, it looks like I was wrong on him in particular. The thought process of why I was low on him, that most older prospects do relatively badly in the NBA is generally true, but doesn't mean it will be in every case. There were points that he might be the exception (path through College) but I don't think the process of valuing age heavily in drafting is wrong.

Look for this pattern if you want to focus in on guys who might buck the trend -- coming up through the ranks from lesser to greater college programs, late bloomers. From way back in early February, 2024:


Get your popcorn out for tomorrow (Saturday 2/3) -- Tennessee vs Kentucky.

Three guys who are sure first rounders (possibly all in the lottery) -- Rob Dillingham, Reed Sheppard and Dalton Knecht (plus a few more Kentucky guys likely to go 1st-2nd Round).

Dillingham and Sheppard are young and have the Kentucky pedigree. Knecht (Tennessee) is old and just keeps exceeding expectations.

I normally favor the young flashy guys but it's hard to get rid of Knecht the more you see him. He's like a higher-end Derrick White. They both rose up from directional schools in Colorado to the big time and just kept succeeding. Like that horse you bet on in a claimer race whose moving up in class but just keeps beating the higher-priced ponies. Knecht affects the game every minute he's on the court. You have to watch the game in real time to get that. He's not just a highlight reel like so many of our favorites.

Anyway, it's two top ten teams who both really want to win the game, not just show themselves for the scouts.

Tomorrow at 7:30 (SA time) on ESPN. Bon Appetit!

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302519&page=68&p=11023744&viewfull=1#post11023744

[SpursGenius]

One of the prospects i would have been content with at #8. Always seemed to have that fearlessness in him.
Yup but patfo rather trade 8th pick for likely future 29th pick 4 years later.

[Spurs Homer]

It was a no brainer tbh...

our team has bricklayer after bricklayer and zero shooters unless you count gimpy vassell who prefers to shoot 40 foot triple-teamed fadeaway jumpers...and gets injured every 3-4 games...

and there was knecht - an actual marksman- and we pass until the year 2097

[scott]

23, and ST considered him a bust when he was traded, because he couldn’t shoot the three.

You really logged in for the first time on an account created in 2018 to post that? Not the flex you think it is. The exception doesn’t disprove the rule.

Maybe I have selective memory, but I don't recall this being true at all. ST loved (and still loves) Derrick. Most folks just liked that trade because of where the organization was headed at the time. In hindsight, the Celtics actually robbed us :lol

[Maddog]

Maybe I have selective memory, but I don't recall this being true at all. ST loved (and still loves) Derrick. Most folks just liked that trade because of where the organization was headed at the time. In hindsight, the Celtics actually robbed us :lol

It gets a bit more nuanced
At the time the Celtics record was pretty middling- I think the pick was under 20- maybe 17, before a late run. I suspect that pick was pretty much his max market at the time.
It's amazing how perfect of a fit the Celtics and White are. Don't think he flourishes like that many places.
Still one of my favorites and very happy for him.

[exstatic]

Maybe I have selective memory, but I don't recall this being true at all. ST loved (and still loves) Derrick. Most folks just liked that trade because of where the organization was headed at the time. In hindsight, the Celtics actually robbed us :lol

He was called Fat Head II and a China doll.

[Mugen]

ST loved DWhite. They were begging for him and Dejounte to actually play together. But the old man refused to do so, started Bryn Forbes for 82 games and the Sniff Crew was throwing out every defense in the book for him tbh :lol

[jesterbobman]

Look for this pattern if you want to focus in on guys who might buck the trend -- coming up through the ranks from lesser to greater college programs, late bloomers. From way back in early February, 2024:

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302519&page=68&p=11023744&viewfull=1#post11023744

This is what I was meaning, though said less eloquently in "path through College". Guys develop at different paces, and there will be cases where people are late bloomers, and take time to get everything together. It seems more likely that people that go to Culinary school, or Northern Colorado will fall into that category as late bloomers.

[Dejounte]

Jalen Williams is another one I was high on who was older than his peers in his draft class, would have people here pass on him just because of their teen fetish.

[exstatic]

Jalen Williams is another one I was high on who was older than his peers in his draft class, would have people here pass on him just because of their teen fetish.

Acting like we’re the oddballs when 19 is WHAT THE NBA DOES.

Trying to use an exception as a norm when the actual norm is the opposite of what you believe.

[objective]

He's been better than I thought, that's for sure. 4 starts and averaging 20 points and 51%÷ from 3

Haven't watched his defense to know how he's holding up there

as weak as this past draft was thought to be, it had some shooters. Risacher, Knecht, McCain, and high expectations for Sheppard and Dillingham. Ajay Mitchell and Pelle Larson have small samples of over 10 attempts but so far so good and over 40%

Spurs desperately need shooting, the best they can usually do is an unreliable scrub like Champagne at 36% or Glassell's infrequent appearances of 37%

[SouthernFried]

Spurs aren't serious about winning. If giving away a #8 First round pick didn't clue you, I suggest pro wrestling is the Sport for you.

What they are serious about? Who the f knows. But it ain't winning basketball games. Why anyone would buy a season ticket or support a team like this, has more to do with too much free time, than anything to do with basketball.

This ain't basketball. It's something else entirely.

[Russ]

This is what I was meaning, though said less eloquently in "path through College". Guys develop at different paces, and there will be cases where people are late bloomers, and take time to get everything together. It seems more likely that people that go to Culinary school, or Northern Colorado will fall into that category as late bloomers.

:toast

We've got another one of those late-bloomers under contact now -- in the G League.

He committed to a small NAIA school then "rose up" to the Ohio Valley Conference (Morehead State). He's a three-point sniper and he's big (6'7") and old (24) like Knecht.

He's shooting 41.9% from three through six games in the G League.

He's like a poor man's Knecht and I think this team could very well use him very soon.

[Obstructed_View]

:toast

We've got another one of those late-bloomers under contact now -- in the G League.

He committed to a small NAIA school then "rose up" to the Ohio Valley Conference (Morehead State). He's a three-point sniper and he's big (6'7") and old (24) like Knecht.

He's shooting 41.9% from three through six games in the G League.

He's like a poor man's Knecht and I think this team could very well use him very soon.
The Spurs didn't need a poor man's Knecht. They had the number 8 pick, right? What did they trade it for?

[Russ]

The Spurs didn't need a poor man's Knecht. They had the number 8 pick, right? What did they trade it for?

For a pocketful of mumbles . . .

Such are promises

[Donald Sterling.]

Kid dodged a bullet, the potential is clearly there to become one of the best shooters in the league, but he would have been held back massively with Wembanyama stealing his 3pt shots and Poop restricting his minutes.

Instead, he's developing at a fast rate on a playoff team alongside a pass first star. Good for him.

[John B]

For a pocketful of mumbles . . .

Such are promises


All lies and jest??

Tyreke Evan’s was the ROTY on a loaded draft… where is he now?

[spurraider21]

Kid dodged a bullet, the potential is clearly there to become one of the best shooters in the league, but he would have been held back massively with Wembanyama stealing his 3pt shots and Poop restricting his minutes.

Instead, he's developing at a fast rate on a playoff team alongside a pass first star. Good for him.
as a 23 year old 5th year senior, a contender that needed immediate contribution made sense. similar to jacquez on miami

[spurraider21]

All lies and jest??

Tyreke Evan’s was the ROTY on a loaded draft… where is he now?
i really liked tyreke. was a very good player for a long time. would have loved him as a spur.

he never quite became the star he looked like he would as a rookie, but he also had a bunch of injuries. heck, late in his career after a 3 year stretch where he played a combined 31 games, he came back, played with memphis, and put up 19/5/5 on 45/38/79 splits (of course, due to injury, only played in 52 games that year)

[jesterbobman]

Jalen Williams is another one I was high on who was older than his peers in his draft class, would have people here pass on him just because of their teen fetish.

I was wrong on Jalen as well. He's the type of player I think of highly in general (positional size (I thought he'd be a 2, he's developed to be an absolute tank and he's doing Draymond at the 5 shit), some shooting ability, some on ball ability) but I've been very wrong on do it all guys in the past, with my clear example in my head being liking Derrick Byars in the 07 draft as a do it all wing, who was 23. Didn't work out then, try not to repeat mistakes in thinking, though always possible to overcorrect to one anomaly / anecdote.

I still think, as a general process, valuing guys who performed well, and heavily adjusting for the age when they've they were in being effective is pretty ideal as close to the best drafting strategy, though there is obviously a need to balance out a stats only process (misses playing style, offensive load, skillset etc )with a details based scouting process that incorporates other variables, like shooting versatility, defensive scouting on ability to play different roles, performance at other levels / roles (e.g, taking into account HS tape for freshmen, like Castle).

[ambchang]

I see him as a Kyle Korver ceiling Doug McDermott floor type of guy. Decent pick at 8, absolute steal at 17. His d will always be a problem. Wish him the best.

[ChumpDumper]

Kid dodged a bullet, the potential is clearly there to become one of the best shooters in the league, but he would have been held back massively with Wembanyama stealing his 3pt shots and Poop restricting his minutes.

Instead, he's developing at a fast rate on a playoff team alongside a pass first star. Good for him.:lol you would've prioritized this white guy over Wemby.

[exstatic]

The Spurs didn't need a poor man's Knecht. They had the number 8 pick, right? What did they trade it for?

An unprotected pick, an unprotected swap, and a #1 protected swap. The unprotected swap was from the Barnes trade, but that can’t happen without trading #8, so, it’s a result of that trade.

[objective]

Did some quick research in comparison to McDermott...

Knecht's last 4 consecutive games has averaged 24.25 points

The highest 4 consecutive games average in McDermott's entire career is 21

McDermott as a floor is probably underrating Knecht or overrating McDermott

[Dejounte]

McDermott was never an apt comparison for Knecht and it was only made due to the color of their skin. Barely anybody knows how to rate basketball players who are white very well.

[scott]

Glad we didn't draft Knecht just for the sake of not having to watch him get put behind Branham in the rotation

[Vince Carter's ankle]

The Spurs didn't need a poor man's Knecht. They had the number 8 pick, right? What did they trade it for?
Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes

[Knoxxx]

In hindsight at least it’s hard not to view passing on Knecht as a mistake. We couldn’t predict the Sochan injury though, and with the injuries to Wemby - hopefully short term - as well as Vassell seeming to be an ongoing question mark, a potential boatload of playing time existed for Knecht.

I definitely would not have preferred to see us handle Dillingham or Knecht how MN has handled Dilly by
burying him on the bench at that high of a pick. I suspected all along though that passing on Knecht was a mistake and could not believe he fell all the way to the LAL. So at least we weren't the only dumb ass team drafting in this equation. Little solace there though.

[Leetonidas]

:lol you would've prioritized this white guy over Wemby.

Always funny when the clowns that only post political bullshit try to talk basketball

[Obstructed_View]

An unprotected pick, an unprotected swap, and a #1 protected swap. The unprotected swap was from the Barnes trade, but that can’t happen without trading #8, so, it’s a result of that trade.

So this was an amazing trade and when the Spurs are winning 60 games a year I'll be really glad they did it? I'm willing to be patient.

[exstatic]

So this was an amazing trade and when the Spurs are winning 60 games a year I'll be really glad they did it? I'm willing to be patient.

Imagine if we had 3 extra picks/swaps from historically bad teams in Duncan’s eighth season….

[Obstructed_View]

Imagine if we had 3 extra picks/swaps from historically bad teams in Duncan’s eighth season….
The Spurs might have won a lot more titles with a lottery pick in his second season.

[exstatic]

The Spurs might have won a lot more titles with a lottery pick in his second season.

Actually, we got a Top 5 pick from Tim’s own draft year in his second year.

[SouthernFried]

I was rooting for Knecht at 4. At 8 he was a no brainer. He fit our needs almost to a T. A perfect pick, imho.

If the Spurs had any credibility left...they lost it in this last draft.

[ambchang]

The Spurs might have won a lot more titles with a lottery pick in his second season.

Antonio Daniels for the fourth pick from Duncan’s draft. We eventually got him ….

But of course we could’ve gotten Vince Carter, Dirk nowitzki or …. Gulp. Olowakandi if we had a lottery pick in Duncan’s soon season

[rankingtear]

I was the one pushing the most for Knecht but still have doubt he is a starter for us with a bunch of better prospects coming in next draft and Devin playing his role. I think it is a waste to turn down all those picks for a bench player, but if no one offered anything I would just pick him. Even that is a mistake cause he was picked 8 picks down.

[rascal]

Agree, not talented enough to be an NBA starter

Can find a similar player in FA/ Don't burn a lottery pick on him

Looking like I was off here

I'm usually biased against most white players. Most don't work out with a few exceptions.

[spurraider21]

there were guys on my board ahead of Knecht at 8, but i definitely woulda taken Knecht before trading the pick :lol... i woulda traded the pick of the option on the board was Salaun tbh

[Obstructed_View]

Actually, we got a Top 5 pick from Tim’s own draft year in his second year.
Yeah, but AD was a reclamation project who washed out with his original team. If I have to stipulate that the lottery pick has to suck then my point loses what little validity it had. :lol

[exstatic]

Yeah, but AD was a reclamation project who washed out with his original team. If I have to stipulate that the lottery pick has to suck then my point loses what little validity it had. :lol

Pick don’t always pan out, which is why you have to STOCKPILE THEM.

[Obstructed_View]

Antonio Daniels for the fourth pick from Duncan’s draft. We eventually got him ….

But of course we could’ve gotten Vince Carter, Dirk nowitzki or …. Gulp. Olowakandi if we had a lottery pick in Duncan’s soon season
I think that's the wrong draft, but you know I'd take it. Shawn Marion or Rip Hamilton would have been good additions.

[Obstructed_View]

Pick don’t always pan out, which is why you have to STOCKPILE THEM.
I'd have picked Jared McCain with 8. That pick looks like it would have panned out. He and Castle would be Victor's back court for the next decade and we could trade Vassell for picks.

[John B]

Fuck a 7 page thread for Knecht?? :lol

[ambchang]

I think that's the wrong draft, but you know I'd take it. Shawn Marion or Rip Hamilton would have been good additions.

I just took the 98 draft, which was after Duncan’s rookie year and entering his second year. Maybe you meant after he’s done with his second year and entering his third.

But point taken, marion or rip would’ve been nice, but Parker and manu were just so much better.

And the thought of Dirk pairing with Duncan, with Parker and manu. Man that team would’ve won 15 titles in a row, finally allowing the spurs to go back to back lol.

[Obstructed_View]

Fuck a 7 page thread for Knecht?? :lol
For who?

[Russ]

Pick don’t always pan out, which is why you have to STOCKPILE THEM.

Stockpiling draft picks is fine but, at some point, you better use some of them.

To paraphrase the great Wayne Gretzky, you miss on 100% of the draft picks you don't exercise.

If you don't use them, you'll never know whether they pan out or not.

Like when Gretzky had a chance to take a shot -- he never looked down the road.

[scott]

Stockpiling draft picks is fine but, at some point, you better use some of them.

To paraphrase the great Wayne Gretzky, you miss on 100% of the draft picks you don't exercise.

If you don't use them, you'll never know whether they pan out or not.

Like when Gretzky had a chance to take a shot -- he never looked down the road.

It's also easy to say "Imagine if we had a lottery pick in Tim Duncan's [whatever] season when you're contending"... but there is also the counter: What if you pass on all the opportunities to actually become a playoff team between now and 20131?

There's a balance to it. Luckily for this point going forward, the Spurs have too many picks, and it should be relatively to find a good balance even if we aren't perfect in that regard.

[couchman]

I see shades of Devin Booker when I see Knecht play.
He has a very similar body and size, similar if not better athletic gifts, and makes a lot of the same shots.
Knecht is a solid prospect who will occasionally blow up for huge games because he is someone who can get white hot while making NBA shots.

I'm not sure of his fit with the Spurs, who already have a similar player in Vassell.
I think Knecht and Vassell are a similar age!

I pretty much nailed it on page 1 of this thread.
The "fit" concern was that he would not get PT behind Vassell and others.
I should have know Devin would be hurt a lot.. ugh..

[Knoxxx]

How many times will Knecht need to do this before SpursFan admits it was a huge mistake not drafting him?

[james evans]

They kept leaving him open. Phoenix didn’t. It’s the way we play defense. We ball watch and leave shooters open or get back doored to death. To put it in perspective, jordan Poole got us for a 40-piece and he had 8 points tonight against the clippers. Either he was point shaving or our perimeter d needs work.

[Splits]

Please please please with 8

fuckers

[tim_duncan_fan]

He's killing our shit tonight mainly because we refuse to stay near him and instead use his man to double-team or "help" on someone every time.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

He’s better than champenny and keldon Johnson

[james evans]

He's killing our shit tonight mainly because we refuse to stay near him and instead use his man to double-team or "help" on someone every time.
they do it every time. Been doing it for over 15 years. Will leave a shooter wide open and double in the paint. Chris Paul set it off by giving Knect his first wide open 3 by not being 10 feet near him about 1 minute into the game.

[Donald Sterling.]

Virulent liberal racist plantation owner Poop would never give an opportunity to a white american over a minority. Sad.

[Uriel]

How many times will Knecht need to do this before SpursFan admits it was a huge mistake not drafting him?
Wasn’t it speculated that he was the guy we were going to draft until Minnesota called?

[playbonner15]

He's been great for the Lakers

[ismael-robert]

Why tobey keep calling him K-necht...shouldn't k be silent like knock

[Ice009]

Should have drafted one of these guys at number 8 IMO.

[CGD]

Wild to think Devin Vassell is only a year older than him.

[BackHome]

Dang Knecht with 8 rebounds to go with 20 points not bad for a 8th pick

[Strategic]

Dang Knecht with 8 rebounds to go with 20 points not bad for a 8th pickAgainst a team playing like corpses.’

[Phenomanul]

Indeed, the most annoying aspect of the Lakers this year is knowing they drafted the best pure shooter in the draft in Dalton Knecht at 17 when the Spurs could’ve nabbed him at 8. The Spurs don’t have a deadly 3-point shooter - especially not one with Dalton’s all-around game. He would’ve been a good fit alongside Wemby. How exactlY that would’ve affected the Spurs’ ability for signing Harrison Barnes or CP3 is probably why drafting him wasn’t executed… but it sure does sting every time the Spurs play the Lakers.

[Atl Spur]

The Spurs have plenty of future assets to bring in a better player…. 2025 draft will be the start of a defining future!

[Vince Carter's ankle]

Indeed, the most annoying aspect of the Lakers this year is knowing they drafted the best pure shooter in the draft in Dalton Knecht at 17 when the Spurs could’ve nabbed him at 8. The Spurs don’t have a deadly 3-point shooter - especially not one with Dalton’s all-around game. He would’ve been a good fit alongside Wemby. How exactlY that would’ve affected the Spurs’ ability for signing Harrison Barnes or CP3 is probably why drafting him wasn’t executed… but it sure does sting every time the Spurs play the Lakers.
defense?

[onechance87]

The Spurs have plenty of future assets to bring in a better player…. 2025 draft will be the start of a defining future!

hope so my guy.Because it seems like we commited to wesley,branham,collins and keldon for the long road.Not sure why they rushed to
feel like they have to commit to them.

[GAustex]

The Spurs have plenty of future assets to bring in a better player…. 2025 draft will be the start of a defining future!

Ol Miss Cleo flapping her gums spitting out “future” platitudes.
Talking a lot and saying nothing

[Donald Sterling.]

Another good showing by the rookie

20pts 6/12 from 3 against the #1 seed in the west

Sperms :lol

[ismael-robert]

In reality this isn't guy we should be extending thread on its only McCain. We had this guy in Doug n we shipped him out

[Vince Carter's ankle]

Another good showing by the rookie

20pts 6/12 from 3 against the #1 seed in the west

Sperms :lol
u r so pathetic

[Spurs Homer]

id have taken

dilly
knecht
zach fucking edey

over trading the #8 to a wc rival

for absolutely nothing - which is exactly what the spurs will get in 2062 or whenever ...
it will be some filler thing to pay off somebody to retire or come to san antonio and never play....

[james evans]

yall giving this dude all this praise and I actually put him in my parlay tonight. This bitch can't even get 10 against one of the worst teams in the league that he lit up a couple weeks ago. And he's got just as many fouls as points. I guess teams are attacking him on defense now and not doubling AD anymore keeping a man on him.

[exstatic]

zn8CpyXHeD8

[scott]

Yo...

This dude is a Laker.

Fuck this dude.

[james evans]

welp, I guess the secret is out now. Teams are no longer leaving him open. It was fun while it lasted

[heyheymymy]

Dalton Knecht: $3.8, $4.0, $4.2, $6.4

Champ: $3.0, $3.0, $3.0

Obvs Knecht looks good in moments and hats off to him for proving people wrong. Def admit Knecht has me second guessing a bit at first lol. But right now I think I'm rolling with Minny future picks assets + Champ who has much more potential upside defensively and can knock down the 3.

[heyheymymy]

And that's Dalton's pay at #17

At #8, selected by the Spurs Knecht would've been earning:

$5.2, $5.4, $5.7 (Dilly makes: $6.2, $6.5, team option $6.8)

vs. Champ:

$3.0, $3.0, $3.0

[SouthernFried]

DAVID ROBINSON - 24 Years old his first NBA game.
MANU GINOBLI - 25 Years old his first NBA game.

"Knecht is too old at 23."

NBA front offices and analysts are mostly idiots these days. I am totally serious in saying this. They are fools.

And it shows.

[LeBowen]

DAVID ROBINSON - 24 Years old his first NBA game.
MANU GINOBLI - 25 Years old his first NBA game.

"Knecht is too old at 23."

NBA front offices and analysts are mostly idiots these days. I am totally serious in saying this. They are fools.

And it shows.

Yeah, let's compare a player who committed to Navy and a Euroleague MVP with a zero defense, zero self-creation shooter just because you're clueless.
Not to mention how much more common it was for players to come into the league older than it is now.
Everyone worth a damn is in the league at 20, at the latest.

But since you got nothing to cry about, you're going to cry about a worse version of Belinelli.

[SouthernFried]

Yeah, let's compare a player who committed to Navy and a Euroleague MVP with a zero defense, zero self-creation shooter just because you're clueless.
Not to mention how much more common it was for players to come into the league older than it is now.
Everyone worth a damn is in the league at 20, at the latest.

But since you got nothing to cry about, you're going to cry about a worse version of Belinelli.

POP?? Is that you?

[LeBowen]

POP?? Is that you?

No, you're just completely clueless about basketball, tbh.
Knecht had a good start because noone cared about a rookie, but since everyone figured out he's just a shooter who can't do anything else, he's been pretty bad.

Since he had that 37 points game, he's averaged 12/5/1 in 30mpg over 7 games while being the worst defender on the Lakers and that's not an easy thing to do.
41/33/55 shooting splits, looking like a couple inches taller Bryn Forbes out there.

But some of you people are either completely clueless or just like stirring shit up in here for the sake of it.
Champagnie is a couple months younger than Knecht and obviously a better player...while making less money.

Could we have used another shooter? Obviously, but Knecht just can't play SF and we've got enough guards already.

We can complain about many things, but not drafting Knecht isn't one of them.

[james evans]

No, you're just completely clueless about basketball, tbh.
Knecht had a good start because noone cared about a rookie, but since everyone figured out he's just a shooter who can't do anything else, he's been pretty bad.

Since he had that 37 points game, he's averaged 12/5/1 in 30mpg over 7 games while being the worst defender on the Lakers and that's not an easy thing to do.
41/33/55 shooting splits, looking like a couple inches taller Bryn Forbes out there.

But some of you people are either completely clueless or just like stirring shit up in here for the sake of it.
Champagnie is a couple months younger than Knecht and obviously a better player...while making less money.

Could we have used another shooter? Obviously, but Knecht just can't play SF and we've got enough guards already.

We can complain about many things, but not drafting Knecht isn't one of them.
He's been TERRIBLE. And he's terrible tonight. Once the secret was out and teams saw he couldn't defend, they started picking on him and stopped leaving him open. HIs last 3 games is what I expected of him in the league. They just stopped leaving him open and he looks very average. You can tell when he's playing bad because this thread drops lower and lower on the site. I'm not going to let it go to the 2nd page for the rest of the season.

[james evans]

3 turnovers and 2 points tonight. We really missed out on this guy hahaha

[james evans]

I pretty much nailed it on page 1 of this thread.
The "fit" concern was that he would not get PT behind Vassell and others.
I should have know Devin would be hurt a lot.. ugh..


How many times will Knecht need to do this before SpursFan admits it was a huge mistake not drafting him?
:lol

[Maddog]

Dalton Knecht: $3.8, $4.0, $4.2, $6.4

Champ: $3.0, $3.0, $3.0

Obvs Knecht looks good in moments and hats off to him for proving people wrong. Def admit Knecht has me second guessing a bit at first lol. But right now I think I'm rolling with Minny future picks assets + Champ who has much more potential upside defensively and can knock down the 3.


And that's Dalton's pay at #17

At #8, selected by the Spurs Knecht would've been earning:

$5.2, $5.4, $5.7 (Dilly makes: $6.2, $6.5, team option $6.8)

vs. Champ:

$3.0, $3.0, $3.0

https://stathead.com/tiny/cHS8k

If, IF Champ gets his 3 pt % up a bit and Knecht's drops a bit it's probably a no brainier between the 2.

[james evans]

bump

[TDomination]

welp, I guess the secret is out now. Teams are no longer leaving him open. It was fun while it lasted
I wonder if Tony Parker was telling media why he was being left open???

[james evans]

This thread has been QUIET!!!!!

[Raven]

not sure why they dumped him down the depth chart so hard

[james evans]

not sure why they dumped him down the depth chart so hard
He's a liability on defense and once a man sticks with him and doesn't double down on AD, he's borderline worthless. Teams have figured out what many of us already knew. And some of yall thought he was future all time great

[Mr. Body]

He's a liability on defense and once a man sticks with him and doesn't double down on AD, he's borderline worthless. Teams have figured out what many of us already knew. And some of yall thought he was future all time great

He has Reed Sheppard disease. If a guy is near him he's neutralized.

[T Park]

DAVID ROBINSON - 24 Years old his first NBA game.
MANU GINOBLI - 25 Years old his first NBA game.

"Knecht is too old at 23."

NBA front offices and analysts are mostly idiots these days. I am totally serious in saying this. They are fools.

And it shows.

were comparing him to two hall of famers, one who was playing high level games in Europe, while the other only came in late due to a military obligation.....

[Maddog]

https://www.theringer.com/2024/11/26/nba/dalton-knecht-los-angeles-lakers-prospect-age-rookie

Good analysis
Times change

[exstatic]

https://www.theringer.com/2024/11/26/nba/dalton-knecht-los-angeles-lakers-prospect-age-rookie

Good analysis
Times change

Dejounte, you really need to read this to understand the older player bias that myself, and apparently every FO has against taking them in the lottery. It’s backed by numerical analysis of expected player output by draft slot.

[The Truth #6]

I was considering Knecht at 8, absolutely. It was a weak draft. He has a skill set we could use and was fairly ready to go. Knecht had an atypical path which potentially countered the old player statistical argue against him, combined with some recency bias of Jaquez and Desmond Bane doing well as older players.

He may fizz out or he may adapt to the NBA. People writing him off after 25 games seems a little early, but we'll see.

[Bruno]

I find that stupid to look back at trades with hindsight but it's hard to criticize the #8 pick trade right now. Most of the prospects available at #8 haven't looked good and Minny isn't doing well.

[Raven]

I'm still happy we didn't take him, but i didn't think he deserved to fall this low

[ChumpDumper]

I guess this draft currently has an incomplete grade with all the toddlers taken but it has been mostly garbage for providing teams immediate help. I did want to draft shooters after Castle to see what could happen but spending the money on vets has paid off.

[ginobilized]

In some ways Knecht has already overachieved by even being drafted. His career is not over.....yet.

I do suspect, like many have already surmised, if Salaun was there at 8, we'd have grabbed him. Probably an archetype we draft at some point unless Giannis comes here.

[Mr. Body]

It's far too early to think Knecht is done. They need to work on him and figure how best to use a team that's struggling a bit overall.

And I simply think there's no fucking way the Spurs were drafting Salaun. Just watch the guy.

[LeBowen]

Time to enjoy some of the amazing takes in here.

[Gibbz]

He sucks.

[jesterbobman]

I was low in him coming in, willing to admit I might be wrong, but I wonder if people on the other side coming in are willing to do the same, and consider what that might mean in terms of drafting old dudes in the future.

[scott]

I fully stand by my contribution to this thread


Yo...

This dude is a Laker.

Fuck this dude.

[james evans]

So where are the Knect fans now? I'm going to make sure this thread doesn't die.

[SPURt]

:lol

[james evans]

How many times will Knecht need to do this before SpursFan admits it was a huge mistake not drafting him?
oh really? :lol

[LeBowen]

It was a no brainer tbh...

our team has bricklayer after bricklayer and zero shooters unless you count gimpy vassell who prefers to shoot 40 foot triple-teamed fadeaway jumpers...and gets injured every 3-4 games...

and there was knecht - an actual marksman- and we pass until the year 2097


id have taken

dilly
knecht
zach fucking edey

over trading the #8 to a wc rival

for absolutely nothing - which is exactly what the spurs will get in 2062 or whenever ...
it will be some filler thing to pay off somebody to retire or come to san antonio and never play....



Spurs aren't serious about winning. If giving away a #8 First round pick didn't clue you, I suggest pro wrestling is the Sport for you.

What they are serious about? Who the f knows. But it ain't winning basketball games. Why anyone would buy a season ticket or support a team like this, has more to do with too much free time, than anything to do with basketball.

This ain't basketball. It's something else entirely.


:lma:lma:lma

[BatManu20]

Teams finally realized he's not nearly as good when you actually guard him.

1879750733077385700

[james evans]

So the Knect fans gonna act like he doesn’t exist now. Don’t be shy

[exstatic]

It's far too early to think Knecht is done. They need to work on him and figure how best to use a team that's struggling a bit overall.

And I simply think there's no fucking way the Spurs were drafting Salaun. Just watch the guy.

OK, so we’re six weeks later, and he’s 12-63 from downtown in recent games. Can we call him a mirage, yet?

[scott]

There'd be a juicy "Dalton Knecht Needs To Go ASAP" thread going if we picked this guy. In addition to his shooting hitting a wall, his defense might rival Branham's.

[Fizziksman]

selecting de'aaron fox with the 8th pick with the 2024 draft seems like it was the right choice.

[100%duncan]

There'd be a juicy "Dalton Knecht Needs To Go ASAP" thread going if we picked this guy. In addition to his shooting hitting a wall, his defense might rival Branham's.

Of course now that this turned into Fox, all is well and good. But I really wanted Clingan at the 8th. Sucked when he got picked just before it.

[exstatic]

There'd be a juicy "Dalton Knecht Needs To Go ASAP" thread going if we picked this guy. In addition to his shooting hitting a wall, his defense might rival Branham's.
So true. Most of this board ball washes other team’s players, and hates ours.

[Mr. Body]

And... Dalton Knecht disappears forever into obscurity in North Carolina.

[John B]

selecting de'aaron fox with the 8th pick with the 2024 draft seems like it was the right choice.

It sure worked out great.

[exstatic]

LA gave an unprotected pick and swap to Charlotte, more draft assets than they gave up for Luka.

[CGD]

LA gave an unprotected pick and swap to Charlotte, more draft assets than they gave up for Luka.

This is what is so infuriating about the Doncic trade. They should not have even had these assets to play with. Sure it’s an overpay for Williams but basically they turned:

Davis, 2 fringe players, 2FRPs and a swap for Doncic and Williams.

[KingKev]

So true. Most of this board ball washes other team’s players, and hates ours.

I checked out for a dew days post Fox trade. Welcome back gramps. Legit thought you died but we missed your presence.

[Knoxxx]

There is nothing wrong with Knecht as a prospect, village idiots...

[exstatic]

There is nothing wrong with Knecht as a prospect, village idiots...

23 year olds, and some 22s come into the league about as good as they’re ever going to be, and in fact usually slide backwards. Everyone was in love with Chris Duarte, and he had a good rookie year, and then his game fell off a cliff. He was recently cut by Chicago as a part of the Lavine/Fox trade, never making it past his rookie deal. Jaquez has slid backwards this year, as has Podziemski. It’s not our imagination, it’s in fact a trend. There’s a video earlier in this thread that speaks to the point. They went back years in the draft, and basically analyzed every draft pick,and how draft positions paid off. The older players DRASTICALLY underperformed their draft slots.

[baseline bum]

There'd be a juicy "Dalton Knecht Needs To Go ASAP" thread going if we picked this guy. In addition to his shooting hitting a wall, his defense might rival Branham's.

Per craftednba Knecht is twice the defender Branham is

[LeBowen]

Per craftednba Knecht is twice the defender Branham is

They figured out how to multiply with zero? Interesting.