We are now into the final calendar month of the 2023-24 season for the Detroit Pistons and they currently have the worst record in the league, which would put them in line for another top-five pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
What they will ultimately do with that pick is anyone's guess, as this year's draft is wide open with no consensus at the top. Detroit could package their pick in a trade for a player or move back if they think they can get equal value later in the draft.
One player moving up draft boards after his impressive showing in the NCAA Tournament is Dalton Knecht from Tennessee, who had a huge game in their recent loss to Purdue in the Elite Eight:
Phenomenal effort from Tennessee's Dalton Knecht in the final game of his college career, scoring 37 points (6/12 3P) showing why he's a projected top-10 pick. Made shots in a variety of ways, was a handful in the open court, and made smart passing reads. pic.twitter.com/UCcjDhTcBp
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 1, 2024
Jonathan Givony among others, is now projecting him as a possible top-10 pick and he could be a nice fit for the Detroit Pistons depending on what they do.
Detroit Pistons draft: Dalton Knecht's strengths
Knecht can score from all over the place, which we saw against Purdue, as he showed range on his 3-point shot, hit from the mid-range and got to the rim for buckets.
The 6-foot-6 wing has good size and is adept at coming off screens for quick 3-point shots. He can make plays off the bounce and is good in the pick-and-roll, so can be a weapon on or off the ball.
He shot just under 40 percent from 3-point range on 6.5 attempts per game and that's how he'll make his money in the NBA.
Dalton Knecht's weaknesses
Will he be able to defend NBA players? His defense is suspect, and his lack of quickness will make it more difficult for him to make plays against more athletic, longer NBA defenders.
Good teams can find ways to hide guys like him on defense or fit him into a scheme (Miami has done this well) but he's going to get targeted on defense until he proves he can play it.
He'll also be 23 years old by the day of the draft, so has more of a ceiling than younger prospects.
Dalton Knecht's fit on the Detroit Pistons
Knecht would be a reach in the top five, as he is a classic high-floor/low-ceiling player who has some NBA-level skills but is unlikely to be a star.
The Pistons need about everything, including shooting and Knecht is a crafty scorer who should at least be able to get buckets at the next level. But the Pistons have other needs, including defense and Knecht isn't going to help there.
You shouldn't be looking for role players in the top five, but if the Pistons were to trade back, Knecht could be an option, as he represents a "safe" pick in this draft, as at least you know he can shoot.
Knecht is probably not worth a top-five pick, but in this draft, we may see teams reach for a safer option in the lottery.