A Rising Star: Dalton Knecht's Meteoric NBA Start
Dalton Knecht is quickly making waves in the NBA, proving his worth to the Los Angeles Lakers as a promising rookie with untapped potential. Drafted as the No. 17 pick by the Lakers, Knecht has not only lived up to but has exceeded expectations with his impressive performances on the court.
The rookie showcased his scoring prowess in a remarkable game against the Utah Jazz, where he registered a career-high of 37 points. Knecht dazzled spectators by tying a rookie record with nine 3-pointers, an achievement that underscored his potential as a major asset for the Lakers. His ability to shoot from long distance with precision is a testament to his skill set, which combines athleticism with a sharpshooter's touch—a combination that Lakers Vice President Rob Pelinka has long sought. "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 debut in the starting lineup did not come without its challenges. In an early season game against the Memphis Grizzlies, he experienced a setback when Jake LaRavia elbowed him in the face, forcing Knecht out of the game. However, the young player quickly turned this adversity into motivation. In a subsequent matchup against the Grizzlies, Knecht led his team with 19 points while maintaining perfect accuracy from 3-point range, hitting all five of his attempts.
Knecht’s journey to the NBA has been one of determination and persistence. He honed his skills by playing two seasons of junior college basketball before transferring to Northern Colorado, and eventually making his mark at the University of Tennessee. During his single season with Tennessee, he earned All-American honors, solidifying his reputation as a top basketball prospect. His background is a testament to his dedication to improving his game, a trait that is clearly translating well into his professional career.
The Lakers have touted Knecht as a potential "steal of the draft," a sentiment Knecht shares. "Teams passed up on me and the Lakers thought they got the steal of the draft. And they did," Knecht confidently stated. His shooting percentage of 46.4% from beyond the arc, following his first NBA start, further reinforces his impact as a burgeoning star in the league.
With the Lakers' offense ranked fifth in the league but their 3-point shooting sitting at 22nd, Knecht's presence on the court could be the catalyst needed to improve their long-range game. The consistency and confidence in his shooting provide a significant boost to the team's tactics and overall offensive strategy.
While Knecht is making headlines with his on-court performance, those who know him well also speak to his off-court persona. Tennessee assistant coach Rod Clark noted, "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 of being both a serious competitor and an approachable teammate serves Knecht well as he navigates his burgeoning NBA career.
Through just eight games in his professional career, Knecht has already shown glimpses of what he can achieve with the Lakers. As Gregg Polinsky aptly put, "If you hit more than 50%, you've done a good job. The draft is damn hard to do." By that measure, the Lakers' decision to invest in Knecht may well prove to be a masterstroke in bolstering their roster with a player who is already delivering on his potential. With each game, Dalton Knecht continues to justify the faith placed in him and, perhaps, change the course of the Lakers' season for the better.