Dalton Knecht is navigating the challenging waters of the California Classic as he works to rediscover his rhythm in the early stages of his professional career. The Los Angeles Lakers' summer league campaign has had its ups and downs, culminating in a 92-68 defeat against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.
In that game, Knecht managed to score 12 points but struggled with efficiency, hitting only 3-of-13 from the field. This performance followed a similarly tough outing on Saturday, where he finished with a 3-of-12 shooting record. Through his first two summer league games, Knecht has connected on just 2-of-15 jumpers, translating to a mere 13.3% accuracy rate.
Despite the shooting woes, Knecht has maintained some degree of offensive presence by aggressively getting to the free-throw line, achieving 14 attempts over the two games. Additionally, he managed to convert half of his 8 attempts at the rim, showcasing his willingness to attack the basket.
Difficult Start
These early struggles are unusual for Knecht, who had an impressive final season at Tennessee, where he averaged 21.7 points per game. His collegiate statistics also highlight his prowess as a shooter, with a 42.3% success rate on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, as per Synergy Sports. Despite entering the 2023 NBA Draft as a consensus top-10 pick, Knecht ultimately slid out of the lottery on draft night, landing on the Lakers with high expectations.
Lakers' summer league coach Dane Johnson remains optimistic about 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 said, emphasizing a long-term view of the young guard's development.
Finding the Groove
For Knecht, the transition from college star to professional hopeful has been evident in his need to adjust to a new playing environment and teammates. "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, exuding a resilient mindset amidst the growing pains.
As the Lakers prepare for their final game in the California Classic against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, there is a collective anticipation to see if Knecht can break out of his shooting slump. This last matchup provides another opportunity for Knecht to show the flashes of potential that once made him a coveted draft prospect.
While summer league games serve as a platform for rookies and unproven talent to demonstrate their worth, they are also a learning curve filled with immense pressure and scrutiny. Knecht’s journey in these early games reflects the high-stakes nature of transitioning into the NBA, where first impressions are often lasting.
Despite the rocky start, Knecht’s talent and determination cannot be underestimated. With the support of his coaches and the right adjustments, he has the potential to overcome these initial hurdles. For now, Lakers fans and basketball aficionados alike will watch closely, eager to see the young guard hopefully find his stride and make a significant impact.