The Rise of Dalton Knecht: A Perfect Fit for the Lakers
Dalton Knecht is quickly making waves in the NBA, and the Los Angeles Lakers seem to have unearthed a gem with their No. 17 pick in the draft. His remarkable debut season is emanating promise, with moments of brilliance suggesting he might just be the steal of the draft.
Knecht's performance against the Utah Jazz was nothing short of spectacular, as he achieved a career-high 37 points and tied a rookie record with nine successful three-pointers. Not many rookies in recent memory have made such a significant impact so swiftly, showcasing not only his shooting prowess but also the athleticism that Lakers Vice President Rob Pelinka has hailed as unique. "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," Pelinka remarked.
Knecht's journey to the NBA was unconventional, spanning two seasons in junior college, followed by time at Northern Colorado, and culminating in an impressive stint at the University of Tennessee, where he was named an All-American. This diverse experience has evidently equipped him with the versatility and tenacity that now define his fledgling NBA career.
His introduction to the professional stage hasn't been without challenges. During his first start against the Memphis Grizzlies, Knecht was forced out of the game after being elbowed in the face by Jake LaRavia. Yet, displaying resilience and tenacity, he bounced back in a subsequent game against the Grizzlies, leading the Lakers with 19 points and an impeccable 5-for-5 from beyond the arc.
With a current shooting accuracy of 46.4% from three-point range, Knecht is not just a performer but a game-changer. The Lakers, who rank fifth offensively in the league but 22nd in three-point shooting, see him as a crucial addition to their roster, potentially elevating their game considerably.
Knecht's self-assuredness and drive are palpable. Reflecting on how other teams overlooked him during the draft, he asserted, "Teams passed up on me and the Lakers thought they got the steal of the draft. And they did." His confidence is backed by a playful side, as Tennessee assistant coach Rod Clark fondly recalls, "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.'"
In the fiercely competitive realm of professional basketball, few would argue that identifying talent in the draft is straightforward. As Gregg Polinsky aptly puts it, "If you hit more than 50%, you've done a good job. The draft is damn hard to do." Knecht's emergence exemplifies how taking risks can yield extraordinary rewards. He's not just a fit for the Lakers; he's a testament to their vision and strategic foresight.
While Dalton Knecht's journey in the NBA is just beginning, the first few games of his career already suggest a bright future. His ability to perform under pressure, coupled with his dynamic style of play, promises a thrilling journey—not just for him, but for a Los Angeles Lakers team eager to reclaim its place among the league's elite.