Blazers host private workout for touted prospect who would address shooting need

Dalton Knecht is in Portland for a private workout with the Trail Blazers. Portland is likely scouting Knecht as a potential No. 7 pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. He's the most highly touted prospect to work out for the Blazers in this year's draft cycle and the only one to do so in an individual setting.

Knecht is one of the many prospects in the draft class with question marks and asterisks. The 6-foot-6 wing out of Tennessee was undoubtedly one of the most dominant players in college basketball last season. Knecht averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, resulting in First-Team All-American honors. He's a fantastic all-around scorer with a skillset that has historically translated well in the NBA.

Does Dalton Knecht make sense for the Blazers at pick No. 7?

However, as a 23-year-old fifth-year Senior, Knecht is one of the oldest prospects in this year's draft. His timeline and ceiling make him a questionable fit for a team like the Trail Blazers, who have just begun a rebuild that may take a few years to blossom into a competitive team. Many mock drafts enjoy Knecht's fit on a more competitive and established team like the Memphis Grizzlies.

Despite these concerns, Knecht is a decorated player and has clearly done enough to impress the Blazers for a solo workout. As one of the most elite shooters in this year's draft, the Blazers could certainly utilize his skills. In terms of efficiency, Portland was the worst three-point shooting team in the NBA last season.

Knecht's ability to get hot during a game and keep that momentum may be what caught the eye of the Blazers. He's also shown many flashes of explosiveness when getting to the rim, which could make him a showtime duo with Shaedon Sharpe.

The Trail Blazers have recently been linked to other top prospects, like UConn center Donovan Clingan. But we will see if they're impressed enough with Knecht to pick him during the NBA Draft starting on June 26th, where the Blazers own two lottery picks No. 7 and No. 14.