Dalton Knecht, the talented basketball player from Tennessee, has officially made his mark in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 17th overall pick in the draft, Knecht showcased his skills throughout the Summer League and preseason.
Despite skepticism from many NBA executives who believed that Knecht was too old to be a first-round pick, he has proven them wrong. He wrapped up an impressive first week as an NBA player on Saturday night, making a notable debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves. During this game, Knecht played 15 minutes, scoring 5 points, along with 1 rebound, 1 steal, and 2 assists.
Making an Impact in the Second Game
In his second game against the Phoenix Suns, Knecht continued to impress, playing 13 minutes and contributing 8 points, including two three-pointers, along with 1 rebound, 1 steal, and 2 assists. A highlight of his early career was meeting his childhood idol, Kevin Durant, who once thrived under the guidance of Rick Barnes.
Solid Performance Against the Kings
Next, Knecht scored 10 points in 20 minutes during the Lakers’ victory over the Sacramento Kings. He successfully made 2 three-pointers and shot 4 of 7 from the field. Over his first week, he averaged 7.7 points per game, 1.7 steals, and 0.7 assists, showcasing his ability to contribute to the team.
A Remarkable Week for a Rookie
This has truly been a remarkable week for a rookie who was not considered a top pick in the 2024 draft. In addition to making his NBA debut and hitting his first three-pointers, Knecht has also signed with the biggest brand in basketball – Jordan.
Although he hasn’t set any records or made headlines yet, Knecht is demonstrating the potential to become a valuable contributor to the Lakers in his first season, and fans are eagerly watching his development on the court.
