2018 Orlando Magic NBA Draft Preview: Who is Kevin Knox?

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AUBURN, AL – FEBRUARY 14: Kevin Knox #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats fights for a loose ball against Mustapha Heron #5 of the Auburn Tigers during a game at Auburn Arena on February 14, 2018 in Auburn, Alabama. Auburn defeated Kentucky 76-66. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Kevin Knox shined among the baby Kentucky Wildcats last year. He is an interesting bundle of athleticism too. But questions remain about where he fits.

The Kentucky Wildcats are always full of talented freshman. Coach John Calipari is able to bring in top recruits and somehow mold them into a functioning and great team by the end of the year. They always seem to find a way to peak just before the NCAA Tournament. With so many top seeds falling down, the Wildcats were suddenly the favorites in their region (they did not make the Final Four).

Someone had to begin the year carrying the scoring load. One of those young players always finds a way to step up to the plate. Whether that is enough to help them accomplish their ultimate goal of reaching the NBA or becoming a high draft pick is another story.

That was the role Kevin Knox stepped into very early on in the season.

Knox led the Wildcats in scoring with 15.6 points per game and shooting 44.5 percent from the floor. At 6-foot-9, he has the rangy perimeter length teams quickly fall in love with. But he has the smoothness and fluidity of a guard too.

Knox has all those measurables going for him. And plenty of highlights to boot.

He hit the ground running in Lexington, scoring at least 10 points in the Kentucky Wildcats’ first eight games and 20 points against the Kansas Jayhawks in the third game of the season. He was a steady scorer and player for the Wildcats as they figured out who they would be as a team.

Knox has all the fluidity and athleticism the NBA asks of wings. He runs the floor well and can finish at the basket. There are very few athletes like Knox in the Draft.

His shooting still needs to improve — 34.3 percent from beyond the arc — and he still struggles some in half-court settings.

Knox is still a bit raw. He does not have the total refinement to his game. But the talent and explosiveness are there. As is the measurables that any team would like at the 3.

Knox probably still goes in the Lottery and he remains a dark horse to crack the top 10.