From five-star recruit to the ultimate basketball journeyman
In short: Kevin Knox II was once one of the most hyped prospects in American basketball, a high-flying forward destined for stardom. Yet, his professional career has become a masterclass in the volatile nature of the NBA—a whirlwind of trades, waivers, and short-term contracts across nearly every major market.
Born in 1999 to former NFL receiver Kevin Knox, Devon Knox II rose to prominence as a five-star recruit out of Tampa Catholic High School. His high school career was prolific; as a junior, he averaged over 30 points per game, and by his senior year, he led his team to a 25–6 record while averaging nearly 29 points and 11 rebounds. These numbers secured him a spot in the McDonald's All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic, making him one of the premier names in the 2017 recruiting class.
Knox chose the University of Kentucky over heavyweights like Duke and North Carolina. He made an immediate impact as a freshman, earning First Team All-SEC honors and leading the Wildcats to a conference tournament title. His career path changed rapidly following his selection by the New York Knicks as the ninth pick during 2018. While he enjoyed a productive rookie season—earning Rookie of the Month honors in January 2019—his production fluctuated significantly during his sophomore year, where his scoring average dropped to just 6.4 points per game.
The subsequent years have been defined by constant movement. Knox has been traded or signed by several franchises, including the Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, and Utah Jazz. His journey includes multiple instances of being waived shortly after signing, only to rejoin teams like the Rip City Remix or move to the G League. Most recently, he spent time with the Santa Cruz Warriors before securing a contract with the Golden State Warriors for the remainder of the 2024–25 season, where he contributed during their first-round playoff run.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Kevin Knox II
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