Image Source: NBA Sports
[Saba Sports News] The Los Angeles Lakers selected Dalton Knecht from Tennessee with the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Many expected Knecht to be a lottery pick, but the 23-year-old shooting guard slipped in the draft before the Lakers picked him up to bolster their shooting.
Knecht, one of the oldest prospects in the draft, averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 45.8% shooting, including 39.7% from three-point range in his final year at Tennessee. He began his college career at Northeastern Junior College in Colorado before transferring to Northern Colorado, where he averaged 20.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, and then to Tennessee.
While Knecht’s defense may need time to develop in the NBA, he is an intelligent defender who can stay ahead of ball-handlers. He joins the Lakers as one of their top shooters, with the potential to become a 3-and-D contributor.
Knecht’s proven shooting ability is a valuable asset for any contending team, and the Lakers, known for developing guards like Austin Reaves, might be the perfect fit for him. LeBron James and Anthony Davis will benefit from the added floor spacing Knecht provides.
New Lakers coach JJ Redick will likely appreciate having a seasoned prospect like Knecht, especially with the possible departure of their best shooter from last season, D’Angelo Russell, in free agency.