Kevin Knox II: From Lottery Pick to Valuable NBA Role Player – The Complete Journey

Kevin Knox II’s NBA journey has been one of adaptation and perseverance. Selected 9th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, the 6’7″ forward entered the league with high expectations but has since transformed into a valuable role player. This comprehensive look at Kevin Knox II examines his evolution from promising rookie to reliable bench contributor, his time in the G-League, his current role with the Detroit Pistons, and his potential future in the league. We’ll analyze what makes Knox a unique asset, how his game has developed over six seasons, and whether he could become a piece for a championship contender. For fans following Kevin Knox II’s career or teams evaluating his skillset, this article provides the complete picture of a player who continues to carve out his place in the NBA.

What Defines Kevin Knox II’s Journey from a Lottery Pick to NBA Role Player?

Kevin Knox II entered the NBA as the 9th overall pick in the 2018 draft, selected by the New York Knicks. His early career was marked by high expectations, but like many young players, he faced challenges in securing a consistent role.

• Early Promise: Knox showed flashes of potential as a rookie, averaging 12.8 PPG and earning All-Rookie Second Team honors.
• Struggles & Adjustments: Over time, his role diminished due to shooting inconsistencies and defensive limitations.
• Reinvention as a Role Player: After stints with the Hawks and Pistons, Knox embraced a 3-and-D role, refining his shooting and defensive effort.

Knox’s journey highlights the realities of NBA development—not every lottery pick becomes a star, but adaptability keeps careers alive.

Why Kevin Knox II’s Versatility Makes Him an Asset for Any NBA Team

At 6’7″ with a smooth shooting stroke, Knox possesses the tools to contribute in multiple ways:

1. Shooting Ability – Career 35% 3PT shooter, capable of spacing the floor.
2. Positional Flexibility – Can play SF/PF, switching defensively when needed.
3. Upside as a Scorer – Still only 24 years old, with room to refine his offensive game.

Teams needing bench scoring and wing depth could benefit from his skill set. While not a star, Knox fits the modern NBA’s demand for switchable, floor-spacing wings.

How Kevin Knox II Impacted the Detroit Pistons: A Season in Review

During the 2023-24 season, Knox provided the Pistons with much-needed wing depth:

• Efficient Shooting: Shot 39% from three in Detroit, his best mark since his rookie year.
• Veteran Presence: Helped mentor younger players like Ausar Thompson and Jaden Ivey.
• Spot Starter: Filled in due to injuries, averaging 7.5 PPG in 18 minutes.

While not a franchise-changer, Knox proved he can be a reliable rotation piece for rebuilding teams.

What Sets Kevin Knox II Apart? Analyzing His Playing Style and Strengths

Knox isn’t an elite athlete or lockdown defender, but his unique traits keep him in the league:

• Smooth Shooting Stroke – Quick release, capable of hitting contested threes.
• Size for Position – At 6’7″, he can defend multiple positions when engaged.
• Upside as a Scorer – Can create his own shot in spurts, though consistency is key.

His game resembles a poor man’s Harrison Barnes—not a star, but a useful complementary piece.

Can Kevin Knox II Still Grow? What’s Next for the Former Lottery Pick

At 24, Knox still has time to carve out a long-term NBA role. Here’s what he must improve:

1. Defensive Consistency – Better footwork and awareness to stay on the floor.
2. Shot Creation – Developing a mid-range game would make him more versatile.
3. Mental Toughness – Embracing a “pro’s pro” mentality to maximize his opportunities.

If he continues refining his game, Knox could evolve into a trusted 8th or 9th man for a playoff team.

How Did Kevin Knox II’s Performance in the G-League Shape His NBA Career?

Kevin Knox II’s time in the G-League was crucial in reshaping his trajectory after early NBA struggles.

• Confidence Boost: Dominated with the Westchester Knicks, averaging 23.8 PPG, reminding scouts of his scoring potential.
• Skill Refinement: Worked on catch-and-shoot threes and defensive positioning, which later translated to NBA minutes.
• Proving Adaptability: Showed he could lead a team when given a larger role, something that helped him earn NBA call-ups.

Without his G-League stint, Knox might not have developed the resilience and versatility needed to stick in the NBA.

What Role Will Kevin Knox II Play in the Future of the Detroit Pistons?

With the Pistons in rebuild mode, Knox has a chance to solidify himself as a rotation wing:

• Veteran Presence – At just 24, he’s already more experienced than Detroit’s young core (Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey).
• Floor Spacer – His 39% 3PT shooting in 2023-24 fits the team’s need for shooting.
• Trade Asset – If he improves, he could be flipped for future picks as the Pistons continue restructuring.

His role likely remains as a bench scorer, but if he takes another leap, he could earn 20+ minutes per game.

How Is Kevin Knox II Evolving as a Scorer in the NBA?

Knox entered the league as a raw scorer, but his game has matured in key ways:

1. Improved 3-Point Shooting – Went from 34% as a rookie to 39% with Detroit, making him a reliable floor-spacer.
2. Better Off-Ball Movement – Learned to thrive as a corner shooter and cutter, not just an isolation scorer.
3. Efficiency Boost – Reduced long twos in favor of higher-value shots (threes, rim attacks).

If he adds a pull-up mid-range game, he could become a complete offensive role player.

Kevin Knox II: A Look at His Career Highlights and Milestones

Though not a star, Knox has had notable moments in his career:

• 2018 NBA Draft – Selected 9th overall by the New York Knicks.
• All-Rookie Second Team (2019) – Averaged 12.8 PPG as a rookie.
• 30-Point Games – Has multiple 30+ point performances, including a 31-point night vs. Milwaukee (2019).
• G-League Dominance – Dropped 46 points in a single game for Westchester.

While he hasn’t lived up to lottery pick hype, he’s had flashes of brilliance.

Does Kevin Knox II Have Potential as a Key Piece for an NBA Championship Team?

Knox isn’t a star, but contending teams could use him in a niche role:

• Bench Scoring – Can provide instant offense in short bursts.
• Floor Spacing – His three-point shooting helps playoff offenses.
• Low-Risk Contract – As a minimum-salary player, he’s a cost-effective depth option.

Best Fit? A team like the Celtics or Nuggets—contenders needing wing depth—could use him as an 8th or 9th man.

Kevin Knox II’s career serves as a fascinating case study in NBA player development. While he hasn’t become the star many projected when he was drafted 9th overall, his ability to adapt and refine his game has kept him relevant in the league. From his early struggles in New York to his G-League resurgence and current role with the Pistons, Kevin Knox II has demonstrated the perseverance needed for a long NBA career. As he enters his prime years, Knox has the opportunity to establish himself as a valuable role player—whether in Detroit or with a contender. His story reminds us that not every lottery pick becomes an All-Star, but with the right adjustments and mindset, they can still carve out meaningful careers in the world’s best basketball league.