Charlotte Hornets Draft: Taking a look at Kentucky forward Kevin Knox

The Charlotte Hornets own the 11th pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Could Kentucky forward Kevin Knox end up being their pick?

With a little under a month until the 2018 NBA Draft, the draft rumors and speculations are flying. This certainly holds true for the Charlotte Hornets as well. The team is in an interesting predicament going into the summer. A new GM and coaching staff are just some of the changes through which the team has been going.

There’s renewed optimism swirling around the Queen City and fans are generally pleased with the changes made thus far. There will be more changes, of course, and our first big one could come in the NBA Draft.

The Hornets hold the 11th pick and while that might not seem too great, there is still plenty of talent to be had at that point in the draft. One player that most seem to think the team will draft is Kevin Knox, out of Kentucky. The 6’9″ forward only played one season with the Wildcats, but still made a nice impression.

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He averaged 15.6 points per game while nabbing 5.4 rebounds per game. He also played in all 37 games the team played last season, lending some credence to him being durable, which is very helpful for a rookie transitioning to the NBA grind.

Kevin Knox could develop into a nice two-way threat for the Hornets.

In terms of field goal percentage, Knox may need a little work in the gym. He shot 44.5% overall and 34.1% from deep. Not terrible, mind you, but the NBA is a different beast and it’s much harder to sink shots consistently compared to college.

Though he can technically play the power forward position, he’s better suited to play on the wing where his athleticism and near 7-foot wingspan can be useful. At 206 pounds, he’ll definitely need to bulk up if he ever does want to play the four.

As to where he’ll fit in with the Hornets? Oddly enough, I think he could end up being a better shooting Michael-Kidd Gilchrist, if he continues to improve his jump shot, that is. He has the capability to defend multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes with his wingspan.

Even though he has the ability to be a good defender, Kevin does have lapses on the defensive end. If he were to actually commit himself on that side of the ball, he could be a serious two-way threat. NBADraft.net compares Knox to Tobias Harris and Paul George.

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It’d be an interesting pick, especially given the uncertain futures of some of the current players. Will this be the second year in a row the Hornets draft a former Kentucky Wildcat? It’s a real possibility. Hornets fans will find out when the NBA Draft takes place Thursday, June 21st.