Dalton Knecht is navigating through his growing pains in the California Classic, a necessary step for many as they transition from collegiate to professional basketball. Despite early struggles, both his confidence and his repertoire suggest that better days lie ahead for the young talent.
Challenges in the California Classic
It's been a tough start for Knecht, who has struggled to find his shooting touch. On Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers faced a lopsided 92-68 defeat against the Golden State Warriors, with Knecht contributing 12 points on a dismal 3-of-13 shooting. The evening prior wasn't much better, as he managed just 3-of-12 from the floor. Through his first two summer league games, Knecht's shooting percentage on jumpers stands at a concerning 13.3%, having hit only 2-of-15 attempts.
For some perspective, Knecht has been somewhat effective at drawing fouls and getting to the line, a skill not to be overlooked at any level of play. He has made it to the free-throw line 14 times in his first two games, converting 4-of-8 shots at the rim. While not stellar, it shows he’s looking for ways to contribute beyond his cold perimeter shooting.
A Glimpse of Potential
These struggles are somewhat surprising considering his final season with Tennessee. Knecht averaged a remarkable 21.7 points per game, showcasing the kind of scoring ability that had many draft experts pegging him as a top-10 pick. His proficiency from beyond the arc was notable, hitting 42.3% of his catch-and-shoot 3-point attempts according to Synergy Sports.
One has to wonder if the long break since his collegiate season, which ended in March, has disrupted his rhythm. "I haven't played since March. Just finding my rhythm again and keep playing with these new guys and keep adjusting," Knecht admitted. There is an inherent optimism in his outlook. "Shooters shoot. My dad always told me the next shot is going in."
Coaching Insights
Coaching staff remains optimistic about Knecht’s trajectory. Lakers' summer league coach Dane Johnson has faith in the budding star’s natural abilities. "Just being patient with it. It's a long summer league. It's going to come," Johnson stated. "He's a great player, so I'm not worried about him missing some of the shots he's taking. He's a great shooter. Let the game come to him. There are some [flashes] where you see that he's got it."
While immediate results haven’t materialized, Johnson’s comments suggest Knecht is not just a shooter but a player who can make a variety of contributions on the floor. His drawing fouls, though not often converting, indicates he’s willing to attack the basket, a necessary skill for any guard looking to establish themselves in the NBA.
Looking Forward
The Lakers will have one more opportunity to fine-tune their approach as they face the Miami Heat on Wednesday in their last game of the California Classic. For Knecht, this presents an additional chance to refine his shooting and re-integrate his on-court prowess.
The ups and downs of summer league are nothing new for rookies. Dalton Knecht’s path is similar to what many young players face: acclimating to the speed and physicality of professional basketball while working to reveal and refine the skills that made them standouts in college. If he can regain his touch and continue to adapt, Knecht could still fulfill the promise he showed at Tennessee.
The search for rhythm and confidence on a new stage is not easy, but for Dalton Knecht, it may just be a matter of time until the nets start snapping and the points start piling up.