Dalton Knecht, a promising talent for the Los Angeles Lakers, has found himself in a shooting slump during the California Classic, a summer league showcase. The Lakers' recent matchup against the Golden State Warriors ended in a disappointing 92-68 defeat, with Knecht's struggles proving to be a focal point.
Searching for Rhythm
Knecht, playing 22 minutes against the Warriors, scored 12 points but struggled with his accuracy, going 3-of-13 from the field. This rough performance followed a similar outing on the previous day, where he finished 3-of-12. His overall shooting on jumpers stands at just 13.3% through the first two games, hitting only 2-of-15 attempts. These statistics contrast sharply with his collegiate performance at Tennessee, where he averaged a noteworthy 21.7 points per game and displayed remarkable proficiency by hitting 42.3% of his catch-and-shoot three-pointers.
A Consistent Performer at College
During his tenure at Tennessee, Knecht established himself as a reliable scorer, a reputation that had him pegged as a consensus top-10 pick leading up to the draft. However, on draft night, he unexpectedly slid out of the lottery, a move that no doubt weighs heavy on his shoulders as he strives to prove his mettle in the professional arena. Despite the current struggles, his college statistics showcase a player with significant potential and an ability to perform under pressure.
Adjusting to New Surroundings
Transitioning to a new team can be challenging, as Knecht himself acknowledged: "I haven't played since March. Just finding my rhythm again and keep playing with these new guys and keep adjusting… Shooters shoot. My dad always told me the next shot is going in. Shooters shoot."
This sentiment was echoed by Lakers’ summer league coach, Dane Johnson, who remains confident in Knecht's abilities: "Just being patient with it. It's a long summer league. It's going to come. He's a great player, so I'm not worried about him missing some of the shots he's taking. He's a great shooter. Let the game come to him. There are some flashes where you see that he's got it."
Flashes of Brilliance
Despite the shooting struggles, Knecht has shown glimpses of his potential. He managed to get to the free-throw line 14 times across the two games, although he only converted 4-of-8 shots at the rim. These opportunities highlight his willingness to attack and draw contact, a positive sign that his confidence hasn't completely wavered.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers have one more game left in the California Classic against the Miami Heat on Wednesday. This final game presents another opportunity for Knecht to showcase his skills and regain his shooting touch. For a player who has shown college-level proficiency and was once seen as a top-tier draft pick, this could be a defining moment to turn things around.
It's important to remember that summer league performances are just the beginning of a long journey in professional basketball. For Dalton Knecht, these early trials, coupled with his determination and past success, could well be stepping stones toward a promising NBA career.