Dalton Knecht, a name that resonated strongly in collegiate basketball circles, is currently grappling with a challenging start during the California Classic. The Lakers' recent showdown against the Golden State Warriors saw them fall 92-68, and Knecht's performance was one of several letdowns on the court.
In his 22 minutes of play, Knecht managed to score 12 points, but his shooting accuracy was subpar at 3-of-13. This performance wasn’t an isolated incident as Knecht had struggled the previous day as well, finishing 3-of-12 from the floor. Through his first two summer league games, the statistics paint a concerning picture: Knecht is 2-of-15 on jumpers, bringing his shooting accuracy to a mere 13.3%.
Looking for Rhythm: Adjusting to the Challenge
Despite the rough patch, Knecht remains optimistic. "I haven't played since March. Just finding my rhythm again and keep playing with these new guys and keep adjusting… Shooters shoot. My dad always told me the next shot is going in. Shooters shoot," Knecht shared, illustrating his determination and resilience amid the slump.
Indeed, Knecht's background as a top-tier collegiate player underscores his potential. In his final season at Tennessee, he averaged an impressive 21.7 points per game. Notably, he also demonstrated remarkable proficiency with his catch-and-shoot 3-point attempts, making them at a 42.3% clip according to Synergy Sports.
Confidence from the Bench
Knecht's struggles have not gone unnoticed by his coaches. Lakers’ summer league coach, Dane Johnson, remains confident in Knecht's abilities. "Just being patient with it. It's a long summer league. It's going to come. He's a great player, so I'm not worried about him missing some of the shots he's taking. He's a great shooter. Let the game come to him. There are some [flashes] where you see that he's got it," Johnson remarked, underlining the faith the Lakers have in Knecht’s eventual rediscovery of form.
The Physical Battle
Part of Knecht’s current struggle can be attributed to adapting to a new level of physicality and competition. Summer league games are an intense battleground for budding talent trying to secure a spot on an NBA roster. Though his jump shots haven't been falling, Knecht has shown tenacity in other areas. He reached the free-throw line 14 times over the two games and made 4-of-8 shots at the rim, indicating his willingness to drive and absorb contact.
High Expectations: From Collegiate Star to NBA Prospect
Leading up to the draft, Knecht was considered a consensus top-10 pick. The anticipation around his entry into professional basketball was palpable, but on draft night, he slid out of the lottery. This unexpected turn of events has only added a chip to his shoulder, driving him to prove himself all over again.
Looking Ahead to the Next Game
The Lakers have one more game left in the California Classic, facing the Miami Heat on Wednesday. This upcoming match provides Knecht another opportunity to shake off the rust and demonstrate the shooting prowess that made him a standout at Tennessee.
With a promising collegiate career behind him and a challenging start to his professional journey ahead, Dalton Knecht's growth and adaptation in the coming days will be crucial. It's a long summer league, and both Knecht and the Lakers believe that he has the tools and mentality to overcome his early struggles and showcase why his shooting skill was so highly regarded.
For now, patience and persistence are the watchwords as Knecht continues to find his footing on the professional stage.