2024 NBA Mock Draft 5.0: Spurs find point guard, Raptors keep lottery selection

13. Portland Trail Blazers (via Warriors) snag Dalton Knecht

Portland selected Matas Buzelis in the top-five and will likely be searching for another talented wing with his selection. The Trail Blazers need floor spacers and defenders around Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, and Scoot Henderson. Portland may opt for an older and more NBA-ready prospect in hopes of jumpstarting their path back to contention.

Knecht was one of the best players in the NCAA as he led Tennessee to the Elite Eight. There were major questions about him translating his game from Northern Colorado, but the 6’6 wing passed all those tests. He averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 30.6 minutes per game while shooting 45.8 percent from the field and 39.7 percent on his threes.

The 22-year-old is arguably the best shooter in this class, but can he hold up on the defensive end? Knecht has the size and athleticism. He must put it together on that end of the floor. There will be concerns about his age, but Knecht is still likely four years away from his peak.

The Portland Trail Blazers were 27th in 3-pointers made and 3-point percentage this season. They need floor spacers, so grabbing arguably the best shooter in this class with the second to last pick of the lottery is a no-brainer.