Dalton Knecht’s Summer League Debut: Finding Rhythm Amid Struggles
The California Classic has been a challenging campaign for Dalton Knecht as he struggles to regain his shooting touch. The Los Angeles Lakers' recent acquisition takes the court with high expectations, but the results have yet to align with his promising potential.
The Lakers faced a tough defeat against the Golden State Warriors, losing 92-68 on Sunday. Knecht, who played for 22 minutes, managed to score 12 points but shot a disappointing 3-of-13 from the floor. This performance followed another off-night on Saturday, where he finished 3-of-12. Over the course of two games, the numbers paint a troubling picture: Knecht is just 2-of-15 on jump shots, translating to a mere 13.3% accuracy from the field.
However, not all statistics are bleak for Knecht. He made his presence felt by getting to the free-throw line 14 times in the two games and showed some efficiency inside, converting 4-of-8 shots at the rim. Yet, the performance seems a far cry from his final collegiate season at Tennessee, where he averaged an impressive 21.7 points per game. Additionally, Knecht was known for his catch-and-shoot proficiency, hitting 42.3% of such attempts according to Synergy Sports. These credentials made him a consensus top-10 pick prior to slipping out of the lottery on draft night.
Knecht acknowledges the hurdles of adapting to the summer league environment. "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," he shared, encapsulating his perseverance and belief in his abilities.
Lakers’ summer league coach, Dane Johnson, remains optimistic about Knecht’s prospects. "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, underscoring his confidence in Knecht’s potential to bounce back.
The upcoming match against the Miami Heat on Wednesday offers Knecht another opportunity to recalibrate and showcase his talent. As he continues to adjust to the pace and dynamism of the summer league, stakeholders will be watching closely. The Lakers, entering the season with a mix of young talent and experienced veterans, are banking on Knecht to tap into his college form and contribute meaningfully.
While the journey so far has been rocky, it’s essential to remember that summer league is as much about development as it is about performance. For Knecht, the key lies in patience, persistence, and keeping faith in his abilities—a sentiment echoed by both his coach and himself. As the process unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see if and when the sharpshooter finds his groove.