So I’ll admit I’m not a big college sports junkie. If I have a friend over who really has to watch a college game or one of my friend’s favorite teams has a big game, I’ll turn it on. Beyond that, I like watching a championship game here and there. But that’s as far as I go.
So of course when a draft comes around, I’ll admit I’m at a disadvantage. In the end, I rely on draft profiles and stats to guide me on an opinion on a player. Even if I did watch college sports, I’d probably trust this information over my own bias anyway. For the NBA, there are a few things I like to check out. Shooting efficiency especially individual percentages (2p%, 3p%, ft%, ts%), and rsb (rebounds, steals, blocks) are usually at the top of my list.
From my perspective, Knox doesn’t do particularly well statistically. Neither his scoring nor his “athletic” stats indicate that he dominated players at his current level. Honestly from that perspective alone I’d rather have the guy drafted after Knox. Mikal Bridges is 2 inches shorter, but had more blocks and steals and the same amount of rebounds. Bridges is superior with regards to scoring efficiency as well.
For the non-stats part, I first like to read about what they say about defense. From one report to the next Knox’s defense varies. Although nearly every report said his defense improved as the season went on and he has the wingspan and the tools to be a good defender.
Then I got to his weaknesses, and the thing I dreaded most leaped up at me. Knox’s effort level is inconsistent, and he seems to vanish during games. This wasn’t just one scout’s opinion — it’s in every report I read.
Motor can run hot and cold, when engaged he is very good, but when not fully engaged he can disappear completely
Knox’s motor also came into question throughout the season. Some of it may have been confidence-based. He’s still learning to play the game, which leaves a variety of outcomes
Motor is very up and down. Looks uninterested on the floor. Doesn’t always sit down and defend. Floats on the perimeter offensively. Needs to play with a high motor, defend, rebound and fly around to be considered a legitimate first-round caliber NBA prospect.
A few years back my boss was a big Buckeyes fan. Being that we were both Jets fans he was thrilled when Gang Green drafted Vernon Gholston. He had all the physical tools to be a great NFL player, but there was one knock against him: he took plays off.
I’m sure you know where I’m going with this. Sure maybe Knox’s scoring efficiency increases, and his defense could improve. However given his questionable desire to play the game, I’m not filled with optimism on his development.
[NYTimes] 
[NYTimes] 
[NYTimes]