UK Basketball: Knicks’ Kevin Knox favored highly in NBA rookie survey

One of the most special things about the BBN is that they don’t just watch their guys in college. Fans keep up with anyone who’s played for the Cats as they move on to their professional careers.

We saw four Kentucky Wildcats get drafted earlier this year, and each of them should have successful careers at the next level, at least we hope.

NBA.com did their annual survey of the rookie draft class, and Kevin Knox was favored quite a bit in a few of the categories. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was mentioned twice, and Hamidou Diallo had a few votes in one category as well.

They asked a group of 36 rookies from the 2018 draft class seven different questions that included; Kia Rookie of the Year pick? | Best career? | Biggest draft steal? | Most athletic? | Best shooter? | Best defender? | Best playmaker? | Toughest adjustment to NBA? | Skill to develop in NBA? | Favorite player in NBA?

Here are the categories in which a former Cat was listed:

Who will be the 2018-19 Kia Rookie of the Year?

1. DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix Suns -- 18%

Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers -- 18%

3. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks -- 9%

Kevin Knox, New York Knicks -- 9%

5. Mohamed Bamba, Orlando Magic -- 6%

Devonte’ Graham, Charlotte Hornets -- 6%

Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets -- 6%

Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks -- 6%

Which rookie will have the best career?

1. Wendell Carter Jr., Chicago Bulls -- 13%

2. Kevin Knox, New York Knicks -- 10%

Jerome Robinson, LA Clippers -- 10%

3. DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix Suns-- 7%

Mohamed Bamba, Orlando Magic -- 7%

Mikal Bridges, Phoenix Suns -- 7%

Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers -- 7%

Lonnie Walker IV, San Antonio Spurs -- 7%

Others receiving votes: Marvin Bagley III, Sacramento; Miles Bridges, Charlotte; Troy Brown Jr., Washington; Hamidou Diallo, Oklahoma City; Donte DiVincenzo, Milwaukee; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LA Clippers; Devonte’ Graham, Charlotte; Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis; Michael Porter Jr., Denver; Trae Young, Atlanta

Which rookie is the best shooter?

1. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks -- 47%

2. Kevin Huerter, Atlanta Hawks -- 13%

Svi Mykhailiuk, L.A. Lakers -- 13%

4. Gary Trent Jr., Portland Trail Blazers -- 9%

5. Grayson Allen, Utah Jazz -- 6%

Donte DiVincenzo, Milwaukee Bucks -- 6%

Others receiving votes: Aaron Holiday, Indiana; Kevin Knox, New York

Which rookie is the best playmaker?

1. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks -- 35%

2. Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavericks -- 15%

3. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks -- 9%

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander -- 9%

Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers -- 9%

6. Troy Brown Jr., Washington Wizards -- 6%

Aaron Holiday, Indiana Pacers -- 6%

Despite Gilgeous-Alexander having an outstanding freshman year at Kentucky, he didn’t get much love in thee votes from his peers. As we’ve seen before, a lack of respect hasn’t stopped Shai, and I don’t see it stopping him going forward.

As you can see, there’s a lot of respect for Knox and his game. After the outstanding showing in this year’s summer league, both players and media have taken notice at Kevin’s potential as an NBA player.

Knox has all the tools you want to see in a professional basketball player. He’s tall, long, strong, can dribble, shoot, and is quick. If you had to describe the perfect prototype NBA player, well, Knox fits the mold perfectly.

Only time will tell us whether or not Kevin Knox will excel as a pro. But one thing we know for sure is that now, he has a lot of expectations to be great.