He was 6th for ESPN, Yahoo, Bleacher Report or even in our Mock Draft, 8th for The Ringer, at worst 11th for USA Today. Dalton Knecht was expected high, even very high in this 2024 Draft. The revelation of the last NCAA season finally had to wait his turn throughout the lottery, and even a little more, before being called by Adam Silver. The former Tennessee player arrives at the Lakers, in 17th position in his promotion. A surprise, and even a very good one for the Los Angeles franchise.
The Angelinos got their hands on one of the best university attackers (21.4 points at 45.8%, 39.7% at 3-points), who also has the advantage of having completed a complete course. “ We think Dalton can be in the rotation next season and make a real impact »Reacted Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. “ He's got a lot of potential left in his game. When you look at his career path, starting in junior college, getting to Tennessee, he's progressed every step of the way, and we expect that progression at that level as well. »
However, the Lakers had not called Dalton Knecht for a workout, convinced that he would no longer be available in 17th position anyway.
“ We never imagined that a player so talented and perfect for our needs would be there for us. We had it in the Top 10 of our observation tables, unanimously » explains the manager.
The right player at the right time?
For Dalton Knecht, it's one more reason to prove his worth, as he has always had to do in recent years. “ I feel like I've been underestimated my whole life since I left high school. I always had to be vindictive, and I still am today to go out there and prove people wrong. »
Seen by the Lakers as a scorer, Dalton Knecht will above all have to prove that he can hold the ball in hand. In any case, he will arrive in a franchise always looking for an additional ring and looking for a little new blood. “ Its versatility is really hard to find » believes Rob Pelinka. “ We think he fits perfectly with our AD pillars and, if all goes well during free agency, LeBron. Having a player like that who attracts defenses with his shot, it changes the defenses and it opens gaps towards the circle. This gives us a weapon that we do not currently have in our squad. »
Not yet sure if he will wear the purple and gold tunic at the start, LeBron James is in any case already a fan. During “March Madness”, the Lakers star explained that he followed college basketball with passion, particularly after seeing the clash between Zach Edey's Purdue and Dalton Knecht's Tennessee.
“ Yes, I remember this video » smiled the rookie on Wednesday. “ I got up, got out of bed and thought it was a fake video because tons of people had sent me messages. I told myself it wasn't possible. It made me smile, and my parents too. It's going to be special and fun to play with them, Anthony Davis and LeBron. »
Failing to be certain of being teammates with the best scorer in history, Dalton Knecht will at least evolve under the orders of JJ Redick, from whom he explained having copied part of the repertoire at Tennessee.
