Knecht's NBA Journey: A Rookie with a Veteran's Poise
In an NBA season already distinguished by impressive performances and captivating storylines, the rise of Dalton Knecht stands out. Drafted as the No. 17 pick by the Los Angeles Lakers, Knecht's journey from college standout to NBA newcomer has been nothing short of remarkable. His ascension is not only a testament to his talent but also a reflection of the Lakers' long-standing pursuit of a movement shooter to complement their lineup.
The Lakers, long in search of a versatile shooter, found themselves fortunate to have Knecht. "We, as a front office, have sort of chased in theory the exact player he is, a movement shooter," Lakers Vice President Rob Pelinka shared. "And then not only is he a movement shooter, but a movement shooter with athleticism, which is a really unique combination." His words underscore Knecht's unique blend of precision shooting and athletic prowess.
This was particularly evident when Knecht scored a career-high 37 points against the Utah Jazz, tying a rookie record with nine 3-pointers. While such feats might overawe other newcomers, Knecht's focus remained unwavering. "Teams passed up on me and the Lakers thought they got the steal of the draft," Knecht noted confidently. "And they did."
The early stages of his NBA career have not been devoid of challenges. In his first start against the Memphis Grizzlies, Knecht faced an unforeseen jolt when he was elbowed in the face by Jake LaRavia, forcing him out of the game. Despite this setback, he made a stirring return in the subsequent matchup, leading the Lakers with 19 points on nearly impeccable shooting, including a flawless 5-for-5 from 3-point range. This dual encounter with the Grizzlies highlighted his resilience and adaptability, reinforcing his position as an invaluable asset for the Lakers.
Rick Barnes, Knecht's former coach at the University of Tennessee, was present during one of these games, a testament to Knecht's ongoing connection with his collegiate roots. At Tennessee, he was a linchpin in taking the Volunteers further in the NCAA tournament than they had ventured in over a decade and was deservedly named an All-American.
As the season has progressed, the Lakers have gradually climbed the ranks, their offense now seated at fifth in the league. However, their 3-point shooting has lagged, currently placing 22nd for makes this season. Knecht's proficiency, shooting 46.4% from beyond the arc in the games following his first start, provides a glimmer of hope for bolstering this aspect of their game.
Lakers coach JJ Redick has not shied away from praising Knecht, lauding him as one of the top "1% of shooters" in basketball. His capacity to perform under pressure, and his ability to consistently deliver, speak volumes about his potential to contribute significantly to the team's success. Additionally, he demonstrates a remarkable improvement from his collegiate days, where he honed his skills through two seasons of junior college, two at Northern Colorado, and one standout season at Tennessee.
Yet, it's not just on the court where Knecht shines. Those familiar with him, including Tennessee assistant coach Rod Clark, describe him as possessing a sharp wit that endears him to teammates and coaches alike. "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 a league where camaraderie is as crucial as skill, such traits make him an invaluable presence.
Despite being only eight games into his professional career, Knecht's trajectory seems promising. His story is one that encapsulates perseverance and has all the makings of an enduring NBA narrative. As Gregg Polinsky candidly remarked, "If you hit more than 50%, you've done a good job. The draft is damn hard to do." The Lakers might indeed have struck gold with Knecht, a storyline that may well unfold throughout the season, captivating NBA fans across the nation.