Boasting a lethal 41.4% career mark from deep, this Louisville marksman offers Brooklyn elite floor spacing and deceptive playmaking potential with their late second-round draft assets.
The Brooklyn Nets have two second-round picks -- Nos. 33 and 43 -- expanding the range of prospects to choose from in the 2026 NBA Draft next month.
Lorenzo J. Reyna and Matthew Feldman of the NetsRoundtable have covered various prospects who are likely second-round picks: Tennessee's Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Santa Clara's Allen Graves and Alabama's Amari Allen.
Friday's profile will focus on Louisville guard Isaac McKneely.
Knockdown Three-Point Shooter
McKneely shot 41.4% from three-point range throughout his entire collegiate career. He averaged six attempts a game, making him a high-volume, reliable shooter in the NBA.
The 6-foot-4 guard is a release valve when his teammates force the defense to collapse. A wide-open three-point shot for McKneely is an outcome teams do not want because of his efficiency.
McKneely caught fire from beyond the arc in Louisville's first-round matchup against Izaiyah Nelson and No. 11-seed South Florida in the NCAA Tournament. He shot a blazing 7-for-10 from three as part of a 23-point performance.
More Than Just a Shooter
Although almost 70% of McKneely's shot attempts are three-pointers, he can dribble and pass, too. He's used hesitation dribbles to freeze his defender and attack the rim, or throws a nice pass to a cutting teammate.
Defenses must respect his three-ball, which opens up other aspects of his game. His versatility in spurts could turn him into a matchup nightmare because of the ability to keep defenses honest and on their toes.
Coaches can run various sets for McKneely, either as a shooter or coming off a pin-down screen to attack the basket. While he's an elite three-point shooter, it's not the only skill he is good at.
Areas of Concern
McKneely lacks explosiveness and shot creation chops to punish defenses. It would make ball pressure and denial easier for defenses to employ and mitigate his strengths.
He doesn't have to develop into a primary shot creator, but improve his creation to attack defenders consistently. It would help him stay on the court even when he's not shooting well.
Draft Projection
The former Cardinal is likely a late-second-round pick or priority undrafted free agent. Brooklyn has the 43rd pick, which could be a reach to select him in the mid-second round.
He would be a steal as an undrafted free agent given his shooting prowess. Michael Porter Jr., Egor Dëmin and Terrance Mann are some of Brooklyn's best shooters.
Are Nets a Fit?
Every team would like shooting, especially players like McKneely, who showcase the ability to dribble and pass. It would be an uphill battle for the Louisville senior, but Sacramento has always had shooters on its roster.
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