The Los Angeles Lakers boosted their lineup by choosing guard Dalton Knecht as the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. The Lakers selected a player in the draft in Brooklyn on Wednesday night, who has the potential to be a crucial member of their team.
The College Career of Dalton Knecht
Dalton Knecht, who is 6’5″ tall and weighs 212 pounds, had a remarkable college career, especially in his single season at the University of Tennessee in 2023-24. Knecht maintained an average of 21.7 points per game, shooting at 45.8% from the field, 39.7% from three-point range, and 77.2% from the charity stripe. He was awarded First Team All-America honors and named SEC Player of the Year due to his performance. Knecht was the top scorer in the Southeastern Conference and ranked third in three-point shooting accuracy.
Prior to his stint at Tennessee, Knecht spent two seasons at Northern Colorado (2021-23), showcasing his scoring ability. Throughout his 103 Division I matches, his average was 16.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Knecht scored in double digits in 75 games, with outstanding showings in 38 games of 20+ points, 11 games of 30+ points, and one 40-point game.
Knecht embarked on his journey at Northeastern Junior College, where he competed for two years (2019-21) following his graduation from Prairie View High School in Henderson, Colorado.
View from the Lakers
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ VP of Basketball Ops and GM, was thrilled about Knecht’s choice. He emphasized that Knecht’s competitiveness and ability to adapt were crucial aspects that made him an ideal choice for the Lakers. Pelinka expressed that it was a very thrilling evening for the Los Angeles Lakers. We could never have anticipated finding a player so talented and perfectly suited to our requirements. He was consistently ranked in the top 10 by all of our scouting boards.
The Lakers opt to pick Dalton Knecht with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. pic.twitter.com/b9vNCa1su9
— Dunk Insights (@thedunkinsights) June 27, 2024
Pelinka highlighted Knecht’s capability to make an impact on offense and defense. His competitive spirit was very noticeable. He excels at scoring from all three levels. He is a man who will protect. He possesses physicality, athleticism, and the coveted skills of a 3-and-D player desired by all teams. He complements our pillar pieces perfectly. His game offers a high level of flexibility and provides us with a unique tool that is currently missing from our team.
Effect on the Lakers’ lineup
The Lakers’ lineup is infused with a fresh dynamic thanks to Knecht’s presence. Knecht is skilled at scoring at all three levels, being able to make his own shot, perform well from long range, and complete plays near the basket. His defensive skills, along with his strength and agility, make him an important addition to the Lakers’ goal of having a well-rounded and flexible team.
Knecht’s compatibility with the Lakers’ key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis contributes to the buzz surrounding his pick. His abilities in shooting and defense fill important gaps for the Lakers, potentially giving the team the required depth and flexibility to compete at the highest level.
Anticipating the future
The Lakers and their fans are excited to see how Dalton Knecht’s success in college basketball will transfer to the NBA as he makes the transition. His transition from community college to being selected early in the NBA draft shows his determination and commitment, paving the way for an promising future with the Lakers.
By choosing Dalton Knecht, the Lakers are signaling their dedication to constructing a strong and versatile team. The Lakers will closely monitor Knecht’s ability to become a significant contributor as they get ready for the upcoming season and their pursuit of another championship.