Dalton Knecht has quickly become a talking point among NBA enthusiasts and analysts, emerging as a noteworthy addition to the Los Angeles Lakers following his selection as the No. 17 pick. Despite a brief professional career, he has already demonstrated potential for greatness, highlighted by his electrifying performances on the court.
A Memorable Start
Knecht's introduction to the NBA landscape reached a pinnacle when he netted a career-high 37 points in a mesmerizing display against the Utah Jazz, where he tied a rookie record by hitting nine shots from beyond the arc. This standout performance immediately solidified his status as a player to watch, creating a buzz reminiscent of veteran sharpshooters.
Lakers Vice President Rob Pelinka couldn't contain his enthusiasm about Knecht’s capabilities. “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, underscoring the unique attributes that Knecht adds to the team's dynamic.
Navigating Challenges
In a harsh reminder of the NBA's physical demands, Knecht sustained a hit to the face in his first start against the Memphis Grizzlies after an elbow from Jake LaRavia forced him out of the game. Despite this setback, Knecht rebounded swiftly and delivered an impressive performance in a following game against the Grizzlies, leading the Lakers with 19 points while being perfect from the three-point line, shooting 5-for-5.
Knecht’s success is a continuation of his illustrious college career, where he distinguished himself as a key player at the University of Tennessee, earning All-American honors. His journey includes two seasons in junior college and stints at Northern Colorado before making a mark in Tennessee.
A Promising Future
As Knecht settles into his professional career, his deep shooting prowess continues to shine through. Accumulating eight games thus far in the NBA, the rookie has impressively shot 46.4% from three-point range since his debut start, an essential contribution to the Lakers who are currently ranked fifth in league offense while they struggle at 22nd in three-point shooting.
In reflecting on his draft experience, Knecht expressed a sense of fulfillment and determination. “Teams passed up on me and the Lakers thought they got the steal of the draft. And they did,” he stated confidently, a bold nod to his growing impact in just the early stages of his career.
Off-Court Charisma
Outside the perimeter, Kneeche also captivates with his charismatic persona—a striking contrast to his quieter on-court demeanor. Tennessee assistant coach Rod Clark humorously 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 makes Knecht a player of intrigue and relatability, endearing himself to fans and teammates alike.
Knecht represents the archetype of a draft success story—a blend of talent, humility, and resilience. According to Gregg Polinsky, “If you hit more than 50%, you've done a good job. The draft is damn hard to do.” Knecht exemplifies the hit that front offices covet.
As he continues his season with the Lakers, Dalton Knecht remains a significant promiser, both on and off the court. His trajectory suggests not only the potential for individual accolades but also a transformative effect on the outlook and strategies of his team. The NBA may have found in Knecht not just a promising rookie but potentially a cornerstone for the future.