The Rise of Dalton Knecht: Lakers' Unexpected Gem
The Los Angeles Lakers may have pulled off one of the biggest steals in recent NBA drafts, selecting Dalton Knecht as the No. 17 pick. His performance, especially as a rookie, has been nothing short of remarkable, indicating that the franchise's gamble is paying off. Knecht, a former University of Tennessee standout and All-American, has been capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike with his exceptional skills on the court.
Having played two seasons in junior college, followed by two at Northern Colorado and one at Tennessee, Knecht's diverse path to the NBA has equipped him with a robust skill set. This versatility was showcased in a game against the Utah Jazz, where Knecht tied a rookie record by scoring nine three-pointers, amassing a career-high 37 points. Such feats underscore his potential as a critical offensive weapon for the Lakers.
The narrative of Knecht’s entry into the league is more than just his scoring ability. Lakers Vice President Rob Pelinka lauded Knecht, saying, "We, as a front office, have sort of chased in theory the exact player he is, a movement shooter. And then not only is he a movement shooter, but a movement shooter with athleticism, which is a really unique combination." This combination of shooting prowess and athletic ability makes Knecht a rare find, potentially turning out to be a franchise-altering addition.
In his inaugural start against the Memphis Grizzlies, Knecht faced a significant challenge when he was elbowed in the face by Jake LaRavia, forcing him off the court. Despite this setback, Knecht bounced back, showcasing remarkable resilience. In a subsequent matchup against the Grizzlies, he led the Lakers with 19 points, shooting a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc. Currently shooting at an impressive 46.4% from three-point range, Knecht's shooting accuracy is a much-needed boost for the Lakers, especially considering the team ranks 22nd in the league for three-point shooting.
Dalton Knecht’s journey has not been devoid of skepticism. "Teams passed up on me and the Lakers thought they got the steal of the draft. And they did," Knecht asserted, reflecting on his draft experience. His confidence resonates with those around him, such as Tennessee assistant coach Rod Clark, who adds a personal touch to Knecht’s persona: "Some people have met him and they're like, 'Yeah, he doesn't talk much, right?' And then people that know him are like, 'Man, that dude's funny as hell.'" This duality speaks volumes about Knecht's off-court character, potentially making him a favorite both in the locker room and with the fanbase.
Having played just eight games in his professional career so far, Knecht is already demonstrating an ability to impact games significantly. His early success suggests that the Lakers' front office, guided by visionaries like Pelinka, has indeed struck gold with their 17th pick. As Gregg Polinsky aptly put it, "If you hit more than 50%, you've done a good job. The draft is damn hard to do." Knecht’s rapid rise and adaptability have provided more than a glimpse of future greatness, foreshadowing a rewarding chapter for the Lakers and their fans.
With Knecht's promising start, the Lakers' offense—already fifth in the league—looks poised to soar higher, especially if their three-point shooting can climb from its current 22nd ranking. As they continue to develop and harness Knecht's talents, the anticipation surrounding his contributions remains high. The young guard's evolving game and strong work ethic make him an exciting player to watch, promising speculation on just how impactful he will become on the NBA stage.