Lakers' Dalton Knecht: A Rising Star in the Making
In a league where draft picks often carry the hopes of their franchises, Dalton Knecht is quickly proving to be a gem for the Los Angeles Lakers. Drafted as the No. 17 pick, Knecht has not only embraced the pressures of being a rookie on a storied team like the Lakers, but he's also made an immediate impact on the court.
This season, Knecht achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring a career-high 37 points against the Utah Jazz, tying a rookie record with an impressive nine 3-pointers. His shooting prowess has drawn the attention of fans and analysts alike, particularly given the Lakers’ need for strong outside shooting—currently ranked 22nd in 3-point shooting while being fifth in overall offense.
Lakers Vice President Rob Pelinka was effusive in his praise, 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." It's clear the Lakers believe they've acquired a player who brings both shooting skill and athleticism to the team—a blend often hard to find.
However, Knecht's journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In his first start against the Memphis Grizzlies, he faced adversity when he was elbowed in the face by Jake LaRavia, forcing him out of the game. Yet, in a testament to his resilience, Knecht bounced back to lead the Lakers with 19 points in a subsequent encounter against the Grizzlies, making all five of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Discussing his NBA journey, Knecht remarked, "Teams passed up on me and the Lakers thought they got the steal of the draft. And they did." His confidence is backed up not only by his performance but also by a solid collegiate career, which included a notable tenure at the University of Tennessee, where he was named an All-American. Before reaching Tennessee, Knecht spent two seasons in junior college and two more at Northern Colorado, honing his skills and shaping himself into the player he is today.
Through eight games in his professional career, Knecht is shooting an impressive 46.4% from beyond the arc, a statistic that underscores his capability as a vital shooter for the Lakers. His integration and early success with the team highlight a clear potential that could very well write new chapters in Lakers' history.
Gregg Polinsky, an experienced hand in scouting, reminds us of the challenges of securing talent from the draft: "If you hit more than 50%, you've done a good job. The draft is damn hard to do." This perspective brings into focus the significance of the Lakers striking gold with Knecht, a player who many teams overlooked.
Off the court, Knecht seems to carry a quiet charm. Tennessee assistant coach Rod Clark shared insights into Knecht's personality, "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 in his character could very well make him a fan favorite, adding to his allure as a young and budding star.
As Dalton Knecht continues to find his footing in the NBA, the Lakers' faith in him as a "steal of the draft" appears well-founded. If his initial performances are any indication, both the ceiling and expectations are high for this movement shooter with unmatched athleticism and character.