What does the future hold for Dalton Knecht?

Welcome to our annual Lakers season in review series, where we’ll look back at each player on the team’s roster this season and evaluate if they should be part of the future of the franchise. Today, we continue with a look at Dalton Knecht.

Things can move pretty fast in the NBA. Just ask Dalton Knecht.

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After a strong collegiate career, Knecht was taken 17th by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 draft. Many analysts pegged the selection as a steal given pre-draft rumblings projecting Knecht to go as high as the lottery. That sentiment seemed wise after his strong preseason and flashes of 3-level scoring ability throughout the year.

Things seemed to be looking up for Knecht and the Lakers. But then an unfortunate meeting with the rookie wall and a botched trade derailed Knecht’s trajectory.

The player who looked poised to be a key part of the Lakers’ future now must sit idly with a murkiness that comes next.

Let’s take a look at how Knecht’s performed this season and what may lie ahead.

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How did they play?

In short, not well and not much.

After playing 76 games as a rookie, including starting 16, Knecht appeared in just 37 games, with one start, this season. His minutes, which primarily came during garbage time, dropped to just 11.3 per game from 18.6 last season.

Despite the expected ups and downs that come with being a rookie, Knecht shot the ball well in his first year as a pro. Compared to other NBA wings, Knecht’s 57.9% eFG% ranked in the 79th percentile, largely thanks to his ability to finish at the rim (74%) and from the 3-point line (38%).

Whether mental or otherwise, Knecht has failed to reach a similar level ever since. That was especially the case this season as his conversion rate at the rim fell by 10% and and from beyond the arc by 7%. As a result, his once impressive eFG% dropped by 6.8% as a sophomore (27th percentile).

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Knecht’s offensive slippage wouldn’t be as much of a problem if he were able to offer value in other areas. However, the combination of his defensive deficiencies and general awareness concerns has put more pressure on his offense…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/does-future-hold-dalton-knecht-152400170.html

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Publish date : 2026-05-28 15:24:00

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