Why the Lakers Were ‘Ecstatic’ About Drafting Dalton Knecht?
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The Los Angeles Lakers appear to have found a hidden gem in Dalton Knecht, their first-round pick out of the Tennessee basketball program. Knecht has exceeded expectations early in his rookie season, and it’s clear the Lakers’ front office is thrilled about their decision to draft him.
“Literally everybody was ecstatic,” a Lakers source told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “Usually there’s a couple pissed-off people after draft night… But it was like everybody was just happy. Nobody was pissed off. Nobody was even close to being like, ‘Well, what about this?’ High-fives, celebrating. … Let’s go.”
Why Dalton Knecht Fell in the NBA Draft
Despite his immense talent, Knecht slid down the draft board. Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager, attributed this to concerns about age and mixed impressions during pre-draft interviews. However, Pelinka and the Lakers saw Knecht as the type of player they’ve been seeking for years.
“We, as a front office, have sort of chased in theory the exact player he is—a movement shooter,” Pelinka explained. “And then not only is he a movement shooter, but a movement shooter with athleticism, which is a really unique combination.”
Dalton Knecht’s Early Rookie Season Success
Knecht has proven himself to be a valuable contributor early in his career. Through the first 20 games, he’s averaging 11.9 points per game while playing 24.1 minutes per contest. Most impressively, Knecht has been lights-out from beyond the arc, shooting a stellar 42.9% from three-point range.
His ability to stretch the floor has been a game-changer for the Lakers, helping them achieve a 12-8 record to start the season.
The Perfect Fit for the Lakers’ System
Dalton Knecht’s skill set fills a long-standing need for the Lakers. His combination of elite shooting and athleticism allows him to both space the floor and contribute in transition. These qualities have made him an integral part of the team’s offensive schemes.
Pelinka emphasized how Knecht embodies the kind of player the Lakers have been seeking: “We’ve chased in theory the exact player he is… a movement shooter with athleticism.”
Why the Lakers Are Excited About Knecht’s Future
The Lakers’ excitement about drafting Knecht was unanimous—a rare occurrence for any NBA team. The team’s celebration on draft night now feels fully justified as Knecht continues to perform beyond expectations.
His consistent shooting, ability to adapt to the Lakers’ system, and early impact have positioned him as a key piece for the team’s present and future. As Knecht gains experience, his role is likely to grow even further, making him an essential part of the Lakers’ quest for another championship.
Dalton Knecht Is a Draft-Day Steal
The Lakers struck gold with Dalton Knecht, a player whose draft slide may go down as one of the best strokes of luck in recent NBA history. His ability to make an immediate impact as a three-point marksman and his athleticism have proven invaluable to the Lakers’ solid start to the season.
With Knecht thriving, the Lakers have added a critical piece to their roster who could become a cornerstone of their success in the years to come. The NBA world will surely be watching as Dalton Knecht continues to rise as one of the league’s most promising rookies.
