Dalton Knecht has found himself at a crossroads during the California Classic, struggling to find his rhythm on the court. The promising guard, who was once a consensus top-10 pick before sliding out of the lottery on draft night, has yet to showcase the prowess that made him a standout at Tennessee.
The Los Angeles Lakers faced a tough 92-68 defeat against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, with Knecht managing just 12 points on an inefficient 3-of-13 shooting in his 22 minutes of play. This performance followed a similarly challenging outing on Saturday, where he finished 3-of-12 from the floor. Through his first two summer league games, Knecht's jump shots have found the mark just 13.3% of the time, going a disappointing 2-of-15.
Despite these shooting woes, Knecht has shown glimpses of his potential. He took 14 trips to the free-throw line across the two games and converted 4-of-8 shots at the rim. Such opportunities highlight his ability to draw fouls and get to the line, an essential skill for any aspiring NBA player.
Knecht's final collegiate season at Tennessee was outstanding, where he averaged an impressive 21.7 points per game. His catch-and-shoot ability was particularly notable, hitting 42.3% of his attempts according to Synergy Sports. These statistics underscore why many believed Knecht would be an immediate impact player at the professional level.
However, summer league competition can often be an unreliable measure of a player's true capabilities, given the shorter preparation window and the need to acclimate to new teammates and strategies. Lakers’ summer league coach, Dane Johnson, remains optimistic about Knecht's potential. "Just being patient with it. It's a long summer league. It's going to come. He's a great player, so I'm not worried about him missing some of the shots he's taking. He's a great shooter. Let the game come to him. There are some [flashes] where you see that he's got it," Johnson said, expressing confidence in Knecht’s ability to find his groove.
Knecht himself is taking a measured approach to his early struggles. "I haven't played since March. Just finding my rhythm again and keep playing with these new guys and keep adjusting. … Shooters shoot. My dad always told me the next shot is going in. Shooters shoot," Knecht reflected. His comments reveal a resilient mindset, aiming to push through the initial adversity and emerge stronger.
The Lakers have one more game remaining in the California Classic, facing the Miami Heat on Wednesday. This game represents another opportunity for Knecht to regain his shooting touch and showcase the talent that had scouts buzzing during his collegiate days. For fans and analysts alike, this upcoming match will provide further insight into his ongoing adjustment to the professional level and his potential trajectory within the Lakers' system.
In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, early summer league performances are but one chapter in a player’s career. Dalton Knecht’s journey is just beginning, and with the support of his coaches and a determined mindset, there is ample time and opportunity for him to demonstrate the skills that once made him a top draft prospect.