3 Reasons Dalton Knecht is Falling Behind in the NBA Rookie of the Year Race
The NBA Rookie of the Year race has been as unpredictable as ever, with standout rookies battling for recognition. At one point, Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht looked like a strong contender, but his momentum has slowed significantly. Once regarded as a dark horse in the race, Knecht now finds himself struggling to keep pace with his peers. Let’s break down the reasons why his Rookie of the Year hopes are fading and explore what he can do to turn things around.
Decreased Minutes Due to a Crowded Lakers Roster
A player’s impact is directly tied to their time on the court, and Knecht’s minutes have taken a significant hit. Early in the season, injuries to players like Rui Hachimura allowed Knecht to log extended playing time. His November performances were electric, highlighted by a 37-point explosion against the Jazz, the highest-scoring game by any rookie this season.
However, as the Lakers’ roster has returned to full health and with the addition of new players like Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, Knecht’s opportunities have dwindled:
- November: Averaged over 26 minutes per game.
- December: Dropped to just over 21 minutes per game.
- January: Down to 16.3 minutes per game.
The imminent return of Jarred Vanderbilt, a defensive specialist, is expected to further limit Knecht’s playing time. Without significant minutes, his chances of making a lasting impression diminish, especially as other rookies are stepping up in their expanded roles.
Inconsistent Scoring and Limited Contributions
As a scorer, Knecht’s potential was evident during his hot streak in November. However, his recent performances have fallen short of expectations. In December, he averaged just 6.8 points per game, shooting a dismal 15.6% from three-point range.
While scoring is Knecht’s primary strength, his lack of contributions in other areas has hurt his overall value:
- Rebounds: Averaging 3.3 per game (17th among rookies).
- Assists: Just 1 per game (25th among rookies).
- Defense: Minimal impact with negligible steals or blocks.
To regain his position in the Rookie of the Year conversation, Knecht must find his scoring rhythm and elevate his overall game. A few standout performances, such as consecutive 20-point games, could earn him more minutes and restore his confidence.
Strong Competition from Other Rookies
Knecht’s decline is further magnified by the impressive performances of his peers. Several rookies have stepped up, showcasing their versatility and consistency:
- Yves Missi (Pelicans): Excelling as a rebounder and shot-blocker.
- Stephen Castle (Spurs): Averaging more points than Knecht while delivering elite defense.
- Alex Sarr (Wizards): Posting 11.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.
- Zach Edey (Grizzlies): Dominating as a matchup nightmare off the bench.
Even in a rookie class without a clear-cut superstar, the depth of contributors has made the race highly competitive. Knecht’s one-dimensional game has left him overshadowed by players with more well-rounded skill sets.
What Knecht Needs to Do to Bounce Back
Despite the challenges, there’s still time for Dalton Knecht to rewrite his narrative. With 46 games remaining in the season, his path to redemption lies in:
Improving his shooting efficiency: Rediscovering his touch from three-point range and putting up consistent points will make him indispensable.
Seizing any opportunities: Whether due to injuries or lineup adjustments, Knecht must capitalize on every chance to prove himself.
Contributing beyond scoring: Adding value as a rebounder, passer, or defender can help secure his place in the rotation.
The Rookie of the Year race isn’t over, but Knecht needs to act fast. His story is far from written, and a strong second half of the season could still make him a contender.
