The Lakers held onto their 17th pick and landed someone many consider to be a steal of the 2024 class. Tennessee sharpshooter Dalton Knecht, who was widely-believed to be a top-ten pick, miraculously fell to the purple and gold outside of the lottery on Wednesday.
Los Angeles Lakers Land Draft Night Steal
Background
Knecht’s breakout lone year with the Vols was the catalyst behind the “top-ten” talk that preceded him. In 36 games, he averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 46% shooting from the field, nearly 40% from three and 77% from the free-throw line. Knecht, whose pre-draft career began at a junior college, has been heralded for his offensive versatility.
From Northeastern Juco to the NBA draft green room! Dalton Knecht is going to be a problem in the league. Last season at Tennessee he averaged 21.7 PPG and 4.9 RPG.
Bleacher Reports most recent mock draft has him going 8th to the Spurs 👀 pic.twitter.com/eK5hXbXEoE
— Courtside Films (@CourtsideFilms) June 26, 2024
General Manager Rob Pelinka addressed Knecht’s fit with the team following the selection:
“We would’ve never imagined a player as skilled and sort of perfect for our needs would be there for us as Dalton Knecht. We had him as a top-ten player unanimously across our scouting boards. I was at the SEC Tournament scouting him extensively, and my mind was like, ‘There’s no way a player like this could be available for us to pick on draft night.’ Across the board, [I] just couldn’t be happier. I was joking with coach Redick upstairs that we found a movement shooter to match his skills as a player. He was already at his whiteboard drawing up pindowns and ATOs and actions where he could run a movement shooter off screens. So I think his mind is already working on drawing up plays for Dalton.
Just really, really excited. The draft is an unpredictable process. You never know how it’s gonna go when the night starts, and for it to end this way, we couldn’t be more thrilled.”
LeBron James showed love to Dalton Knecht 2 months ago pic.twitter.com/dPxTIZfkpU
— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) June 27, 2024
How Knecht Fits with the Lakers
One of LA’s biggest needs in this year’s draft was sharpshooters. They not only satisfied that last night, but also did it while filling a positional need on the wing. Knecht’s prowess as a movement shooter holds plenty of promise for the Lakers. The rookie will enter a system that will strive to improve mightily from downtown, as head coach JJ Redick mentioned in his opening remarks Monday.
Regardless of the moves the Lakers make the rest of this summer, there is a chance that Knecht will begin his career in the team’s rotation. At 6’5″, Knecht’s three-level scoring and athleticism were keys towards his high draft stock. He also showcased an ability to take over games when needed, exemplified by a career-high 40-piece against Kentucky.
Now, he’ll have a prime opportunity to showcase his skills with a coach that emphasizes player development. Knecht’s skill set complements LeBron James and Anthony Davis like a glove, making him a perfect addition to LA’s frontcourt.
Despite Knecht’s positives on offense, there are several key areas he must improve on between now and October. The main concern is on defense, where his lack of lateral quickness may cause opponents to purposefully hunt him in matchups and get past him with ease. While the Lakers do have a top-tier defender in Davis, it’ll be up to Knecht to hold his own so AD won’t have to rotate on the help side as often. Additionally, the rookie must sharpen his basketball IQ. He averaged 1.8 assists to 1.7 turnovers per game this past season.
The Last Word on Dalton Knecht and the Lakers
Overall, Knecht is a huge steal for the Lakers, who have patched up holes on the offensive end while selecting someone who still has potential at 23 years old. The team will continue to fill key positions on the roster, but drafting Dalton Knecht was a step in the right direction.
