JJ Redick Seeing Defensive Improvement From Dalton Knecht

When the Los Angeles Lakers selected Dalton Knecht with the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, many critics pointed to his defensive shortcomings as the reason for his slide. While Knecht showcased immense scoring potential at Tennessee, he wasn’t widely regarded as a defensive asset. Comparisons were even drawn between Knecht and Lakers head coach JJ Redick, a sharpshooter known for his offensive prowess but not elite defense during his playing career.

Fast forward to the start of Knecht’s rookie season, and those concerns may have been overstated. While he isn’t yet a standout defender, Knecht is proving he can hold his own, and his head coach has noticed the progress.

JJ Redick on Knecht’s Defensive Development

Redick, speaking about Knecht’s early improvements, praised the rookie’s effort and physicality: “I think he’s improving his physicality, both on and off the ball. I’ve seen some improvement,” Redick said.While noting the challenges of learning NBA-level defensive schemes, Redick emphasized Knecht’s potential: “I challenged him in August or September to not be a traffic cone, and he’s taken on that challenge. He’s trying—the effort is there. There are things we can do in the weight room, agility drills, and more. In the long term, I expect him to be a good defender.” According to Redick, Knecht has the tools—size, strength, toughness, and competitiveness—to grow into a reliable defender, which would make his draft selection even more of a steal.

Adjusting to Defensive Attention

On offense, Knecht has quickly found his rhythm, establishing himself as a consistent scorer and floor spacer for the Lakers. His impressive play, however, has drawn greater attention from opposing defenses. The Orlando Magic, known for their defensive length, focused on limiting Knecht during a recent matchup. Despite this, he posted 17 points on 7-for-14 shooting, including 3-for-7 from beyond the arc.

When asked about the added defensive pressure, Knecht remained confident in the Lakers’ offensive system: “I feel like I still got a lot of good looks. My teammates are always looking for me, and JJ is calling plays. It’s just about executing.”

What’s Next for Knecht?

If Knecht can continue improving on defense while maintaining his offensive firepower, he could become a two-way player who provides significant value to the Lakers. His willingness to put in the work and embrace coaching from Redick bodes well for his development.

For now, Dalton Knecht’s rookie season is a storyline to watch, as the sharpshooting forward looks to prove that he’s more than just a scorer and can contribute on both ends of the floor.