{"id":101797,"date":"2024-10-18T09:31:33","date_gmt":"2024-10-18T13:31:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=101797"},"modified":"2024-10-18T09:31:33","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T13:31:33","slug":"jj-redick-being-forced-to-make-dalton-knecht-decision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/10\/18\/jj-redick-being-forced-to-make-dalton-knecht-decision\/","title":{"rendered":"JJ Redick Being ‘Forced’ To Make Dalton Knecht Decision"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dalton Knecht<\/a> has already made a name for himself in the preseason, scoring an impressive 35 points, including 20 straight, <\/a>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\u2019s fall to the Lakers<\/a> at #17 in the draft<\/a> always looked like a steal. Now, it’s beginning to look like highway robbery.\u00a0 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<\/a> too make tough decisions.<\/p>\n

NBA Business: JJ Redick Being ‘Forced’ To Make Dalton Knecht Decision<\/h2>\n

Knecht\u2019s Role: Sixth Man or Lower in the Rotation?<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> sidelined after foot surgery and Christian Wood<\/a> 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<\/a>, who\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Navigating the Lakers’ Injury Woes<\/h3>\n

The Lakers\u2019 preseason has been marred by injuries, with key players like Vanderbilt still in recovery<\/a> and Austin Reaves<\/a> missing time with an ankle issue<\/a>. Wood, expected to play as backup big, is also working his way back from surgery<\/a>. These setbacks give Knecht an opportunity to carve out a significant role in the rotation. Redick\u2019s challenge will be figuring out how to balance the lineup when players start to return. Will Knecht\u2019s early-season momentum be enough to keep him in the lineup as a regular rotation player?<\/p>\n

Knecht\u2019s Team-Friendly Contract: A Valuable Asset<\/h3>\n

As the Lakers tread close to the second apron, being just $45,000 below the threshold<\/a>, Knecht\u2019s team-friendly<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

His three-point shooting<\/a> already looks to be translating to the NBA. This is crucial for the Lakers that ranked last<\/a> in the NBA in three-point attempts last year. Getting elite shooting on a team-friendly contract is like finding gold in NBA circles.<\/p>\n

\n

Here's TWENTY STRAIGHT POINTS from Dalton Knecht in the 4Q\/OT to lead the @Lakers<\/a> to the #NBAPreseason<\/a> win! \ud83d\ude08 pic.twitter.com\/flBoBAXkvm<\/a><\/p>\n

— NBA (@NBA) October 18, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n