Dalton Knecht has already made a name for himself in the preseason, scoring an impressive 35 points, including 20 straight, to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to an overtime victory. His ability to hit eight three-pointers in that game showcased his elite shooting, a skill the Lakers missed last season. Knecht’s fall to the Lakers at #17 in the draft always looked like a steal. Now, it’s beginning to look like highway robbery. The Lakers opted for continuity by mostly running it back with the same roster from last season. Knecht’s breakout preseason performances suggest that their draft gamble might pay off handsomely. His immediate impact is already forcing first-year head coach, JJ Redick too make tough decisions.
NBA Business: JJ Redick Being ‘Forced’ To Make Dalton Knecht Decision
Knecht’s Role: Sixth Man or Lower in the Rotation?
Redick now faces an important decision: How big of a role should Knecht play in the regular season? Should he be the sixth man off the bench, or fall into the seventh, eighth, or ninth spot? The Lakers’ bench depth has already been hit by injuries, with Jarred Vanderbilt sidelined after foot surgery and Christian Wood recovering from knee surgery. These injuries create a void, and Knecht, who offers shooting and energy off the bench, could step up as a major contributor. Max Christie, who’s also vying for the backup shooting guard role, may find himself in direct competition with Knecht for playing time once the roster is fully healthy.
Navigating the Lakers’ Injury Woes
The Lakers’ preseason has been marred by injuries, with key players like Vanderbilt still in recovery and Austin Reaves missing time with an ankle issue. Wood, expected to play as backup big, is also working his way back from surgery. These setbacks give Knecht an opportunity to carve out a significant role in the rotation. Redick’s challenge will be figuring out how to balance the lineup when players start to return. Will Knecht’s early-season momentum be enough to keep him in the lineup as a regular rotation player?
Knecht’s Team-Friendly Contract: A Valuable Asset
As the Lakers tread close to the second apron, being just $45,000 below the threshold, Knecht’s team-friendly rookie contract adds even more value. His immediate readiness to contribute, despite being a rookie, allows the Lakers to stay competitive without adding a costly free agent. Redick and the Lakers front office will be thankful for Knecht’s contract and how his production will help them manage their salary cap constraints, while keeping a competitive edge in the loaded Western Conference.
His three-point shooting already looks to be translating to the NBA. This is crucial for the Lakers that ranked last in the NBA in three-point attempts last year. Getting elite shooting on a team-friendly contract is like finding gold in NBA circles.
Here's TWENTY STRAIGHT POINTS from Dalton Knecht in the 4Q/OT to lead the @Lakers to the #NBAPreseason win! 😈 pic.twitter.com/flBoBAXkvm
— NBA (@NBA) October 18, 2024
JJ Redick’s Dalton Knecht Decision
Ultimately, the decision is Redick’s to make. Should he trust Knecht’s preseason performance and give him a bigger role right away, or ease him into the lineup? Knecht’s ability to provide scoring, especially from beyond the arc, offers Redick flexibility as he manages injuries and adjusts his rotation. The challenge will be finding a balance between Knecht’s development and the return of veterans like Vanderbilt and Wood. Given Knecht’s performance, he might force Redick’s hand and earn a spot as a fixture in the Lakers’ rotation, helping the team stay competitive in their quest for another deep playoff run. JJ Redick’s decision will be pivotal to the Lakers’ season, and Dalton Knecht’s early success indicates he’s ready to seize the opportunity.
