Dalton Knecht, the Los Angeles Lakers’ impressive No. 17 draft pick, is swiftly emerging as a promising star in the NBA. With his standout performance against the Utah Jazz, where he notched up a career-best 37 points and tied a rookie record with nine three-pointers, Knecht has proven that his selection was indeed a shrewd move by the Lakers’ front office.
A Rising Star with Versatility
Lakers Vice President Rob Pelinka aptly captured the essence of Knecht's potential, stating, "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 mix of skills was put to the test early in the season when in his first start against the Memphis Grizzlies, Knecht was sidelined after taking an accidental elbow to the face from Jake LaRavia, illustrating the physical challenges new players face.
Despite such setbacks, Knecht bounced back with tenacity. In a subsequent match against the Grizzlies, he led the Lakers with 19 points, showcasing flawless accuracy by nailing all five of his attempts from beyond the arc. This precision contributes to his impressive season average of 46.4% from three-point range, a much-needed boost for a team ranked 22nd in league three-point shooting.
A Background That Builds Champions
Before joining the Lakers, Knecht honed his abilities through a varied college basketball journey. He spent two seasons in junior college, followed by periods at Northern Colorado and the University of Tennessee. During his time in Tennessee, he made a significant impact, earning the distinction of being named an All-American.
Tennessee assistant coach Rod Clark highlighted Knecht's personality and potential, remarking, "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 combination of an understated demeanor and engaging personality only adds to his on-court allure.
A Draft Selection That Pays Off
As Knecht reflects on his path to being drafted, he reveals an undeterred confidence: "Teams passed up on me and the Lakers thought they got the steal of the draft. And they did." This self-assurance is backed by a front office strategy that appears visionary in hindsight. Gregg Polinsky, a seasoned talent evaluator, sums up the complexity of successful drafting succinctly, "If you hit more than 50%, you've done a good job. The draft is damn hard to do."
Knecht's performance isn't just a personal triumph but a vital element of the Lakers’ current standing. Their offense ranks fifth in the league, a crucial factor for a team with championship aspirations, despite some struggles in three-point consistency. Knecht’s shooting prowess directly addresses one of their more glaring inefficiencies.
Looking Ahead
With only eight games into his professional NBA career, Dalton Knecht is already carving out a niche as a dynamic shooter and a steadfast scorer. His ability to shake off early-season injury setbacks and contribute crucial points speaks volumes about his resilience and skillset.
As the Lakers continue their campaign, observers will be keen to watch how Knecht evolves. In Rob Pelinka's words, Knecht offers not just talent but a distinctive blend of movement and athletic strength, making him a rare and valued asset. For now, all signs point to Dalton Knecht being a draft steal who could significantly shape the Lakers’ fortunes this season and beyond.