Dalton Knecht was never supposed to play for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Despite being an older prospect, Knecht was popular in draft circles, seen as having an NBA-ready game. Leading up to the 2024 NBA Draft, it was even thought that he could be picked in the top-10. All’s well that ends well though, as there are better teams more suited for him.
Due to Knecht’s age, he’s a better fit on an established team rather than one that was rebuilding. Of the teams in the lottery, only the Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Sacramento Kings were bonafide playoff contenders. None of those teams are coached by a former three-point specialist.
Lakers’ Dalton Knecht A Rookie Of The Year Dark Horse
To nobody’s surprise, Lakers head coach JJ Redick is pretty good with the Xs and Os. However, when it comes to Knecht, it’s not Redick’s basketball IQ that matters so much as familiarity.
When Redick looks at Knecht, he might not be thinking that he’s looking at his mirror image. Yet, he has an innate understanding of what Knecht needs to get going. Redick’s work with the clipboard will help Knecht get the right shots, but he knows the right shots for Knecht because of their shared talent.
After three games, Knecht is averaging 7.7 points per contest while shooting 41.2 percent from deep. He’s played at least 13 minutes in every contest, indicating that Redick plans to keep him in the rotation. With that being said, Knecht is in an excellent position, as he could be a dark horse for the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year award.
Playing well as a rookie is one thing, but his performances carry even more weight on a championship-contender. The fact that the Lakers are one of the most popular sports franchises in the world helps as well, boosting his own popularity.
Barring an injury or trade, he’s unlikely to start for LA this season, which could limit his opportunities and exposure. Nonetheless, the Lakers aren’t trying to hold him back either, as evidenced by his steady playing time and the types of shots they’re comfortable with him taking.
The ROY Race Is Wide Open
Knecht has plenty of competition for Rookie of the Year.
Grizzlies center Zach Edey —averaging 8.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game —has been the early favorite.
Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard —averaging 3.3 points and 2.0 assists per game —is another popular candidate.
Toronto Raptors forward Jonathan Mogbo —averaging 7.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 block per game — and guard Jamal Shead —averaging 8.7 points and 4.7 assists per game —are making noise north of the border.
New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi —averaging 10.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game —actually has the highest scoring and rebounding average in his class.
There hasn’t been a rookie that’s really separated themselves from the pack yet. That should be music to Knecht’s ears though, because that means the race is still wide open.
