Dalton Knecht’s selection by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft has sparked a lot of interest, especially considering his impressive scoring ability and three-point shooting. Many fans and analysts are already drawing comparisons between Knecht and JJ Redick, one of the most prolific shooters in NBA history. Could Knecht develop into the Lakers’ version of Redick? Here’s a closer look at whether he has the potential to become JJ Redick 2.0 in LA.
1. Elite Three-Point Shooter with Offensive Versatility
One of the most striking similarities between Dalton Knecht and JJ Redick is their three-point shooting. Both players are known for their ability to stretch the floor, making them valuable offensive assets. Knecht displayed exceptional shooting skills in college, particularly from beyond the arc. Much like Redick, Knecht has the potential to become a consistent long-range threat, helping to space the floor for other playmakers like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
In his final season at college, Knecht averaged over 40% from three-point range, showcasing his capability as a floor spacer. This is exactly the type of shooting the Lakers need to surround their superstar duo with. If Knecht can translate his college shooting form to the NBA, he could provide the Lakers with much-needed offensive firepower, similar to how Redick contributed to teams with his deadly shooting.
2. Offensive Role and Spot-Up Shooting
JJ Redick built his career on being an elite spot-up shooter and a player who can come off screens to get open looks from deep. This is a role that Dalton Knecht could certainly fill with the Lakers. Knecht’s movement off the ball and his ability to shoot quickly and accurately from the perimeter mirrors Redick’s playing style.
For the Lakers, having a player like Knecht who can consistently knock down shots from the outside is crucial, especially as LeBron James continues to command attention with his playmaking. Knecht could find himself playing a similar role to Redick as a secondary scorer who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact but can provide valuable shooting when called upon.
3. Defensive Limitations and Development
While JJ Redick was known primarily for his offensive prowess, his defensive limitations were always a point of critique. Redick was never known as an elite defender, and it’s possible that Knecht could follow a similar trajectory. In college, Knecht showed flashes of solid defense, but his defensive consistency at the NBA level remains a concern. If he struggles on the defensive end, he may find himself in a similar situation to Redick, where his offensive value outweighs his defensive weaknesses, and he may be used in specific offensive sets rather than being a lockdown defender.
The Lakers’ coaching staff will play a big role in helping Knecht improve his defensive skills, but it’s fair to expect that, like Redick, he may never become a standout defender and could be used as a specialist in certain matchups.
4. The Lakers’ Need for Shooting
The Lakers’ roster is built around a few key stars, particularly LeBron James and Anthony Davis, both of whom excel at creating opportunities for teammates. The team has often struggled with outside shooting, which has been a major point of emphasis in their recent team-building strategies. This makes Dalton Knecht’s shooting ability especially valuable to the Lakers.
If Knecht can become a reliable shooter in the NBA, he would provide the Lakers with exactly what they need: an offensive weapon who can shoot off the catch and add depth to their perimeter game. JJ Redick was a crucial asset to any team he played for due to his shooting ability, and Knecht could potentially fulfill a similar role for the Lakers, helping to space the floor and take some of the pressure off LeBron and AD.
5. The Road to Becoming JJ Redick 2.0
For Dalton Knecht to become JJ Redick 2.0, he will need to prove himself as an elite shooter at the NBA level, just as Redick did throughout his career. Knecht’s shooting form and range are already there, but he will need to adjust to the faster-paced, more physical NBA game. His ability to work off the ball, move through screens, and make quick decisions will be key to replicating Redick’s success.
Knecht will also need to refine his offensive IQ and playmaking to be more effective in the Lakers’ system. While his primary role will likely be as a shooter, improving his overall basketball IQ and learning how to integrate into the team’s flow will help him grow and make him a more complete player.
While it’s still early in his career, Dalton Knecht certainly has the potential to become the Lakers’ version of JJ Redick. His three-point shooting and ability to move without the ball make him a natural fit for a Redick-style role as a floor spacer and scoring threat. However, Knecht will need to improve his defense and refine his offensive game to become a more complete player in the NBA. If he can do that, the Lakers may have found a valuable shooter who can help complement their star-studded roster and add a new dimension to their offense.
