Dalton Knecht: A Potential Big Winner in the Historic Luka Doncic Trade

The recent blockbuster trade sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis has dominated NBA headlines. While Dalton Knecht wasn’t directly involved in the deal, the former Tennessee Volunteer could emerge as a significant beneficiary. Doncic’s arrival in Los Angeles could unlock Knecht’s potential as a perimeter shooter, creating opportunities he might not have otherwise had.

Doncic’s Playmaking Prowess: Opening Doors for Knecht

Doncic’s reputation as a facilitator precedes him. His ability to draw defensive attention creates open looks for his teammates. While his former Mavericks teammates weren’t always the most consistent at converting those opportunities, the open shots were consistently there. Knecht, a capable catch-and-shoot wing, stands to thrive in this environment. Imagine Doncic driving, attracting multiple defenders, and then finding Knecht wide open on the wing. The potential for open shots for Knecht is substantial with Doncic on the court.

Doncic, while a prolific scorer, is also a savvy playmaker. He understands the gravity he commands on the court and actively seeks to utilize his passing skills. Throughout his tenure in Dallas, the Mavericks surrounded Doncic with shooters like Seth Curry, JJ Redick, Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr., JJ Barea, and Kristaps Porzingis. This strategy highlights the importance of perimeter threats in Doncic-led offenses. The acquisition of Klay Thompson last offseason, though hampered by Doncic’s injuries this season, further underscores this point.

Knecht’s Three-Point Potential: A Boost from Doncic

Through his first 47 NBA games, Knecht has shot 35.5% from three-point range, a slight dip from his 39.7% clip during his lone season at Tennessee. One simple way to improve Knecht’s three-point percentage is to provide him with more open looks. Doncic’s presence on the court will undoubtedly generate those opportunities. If Knecht and Doncic develop on-court chemistry, the former Vol could see a significant increase in his three-point efficiency.

Beyond Doncic: LeBron’s Impact

While Doncic’s playmaking is a key factor, LeBron James also contributes to creating open shots for teammates. Even at this stage of his career, James commands defensive attention, and his ball-handling skills, combined with Doncic’s, should create even more space for Knecht on the perimeter. The James-Doncic duo could be a potent force, maximizing the opportunities for Knecht to showcase his shooting ability.

The Uncertainty: A Potential Trade

Despite the potential benefits, Knecht’s future with the Lakers remains uncertain. With a guard-heavy roster, the Lakers’ front office might explore trading Knecht for a big man to bolster their frontcourt after the departure of Davis. This possibility adds an element of intrigue to Knecht’s situation.

The Verdict: A Promising Outlook

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, the Luka Doncic trade presents a potentially positive scenario for Dalton Knecht. The prospect of playing alongside two elite playmakers like Doncic and James offers a unique opportunity for Knecht to develop his game and showcase his shooting prowess. Whether he remains with the Lakers or is traded elsewhere, Knecht’s future in the NBA looks promising, thanks in part to the ripple effects of this historic trade.