As the California Classic unfolds, Dalton Knecht, a promising talent with an impressive collegiate resume, finds himself grappling with a challenging start. Over the weekend, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Golden State Warriors and struggled, ultimately falling 92-68. Knecht's performance was a microcosm of the team's struggles, as he scored 12 points but managed only 3-of-13 from the field in his 22 minutes of action.
For Knecht, this has been an ongoing battle. On Saturday, he finished with a similar 3-of-12 shooting performance, reflecting an undeniable trend in his early summer league outings. In fact, he has connected on just 2-of-15 jumpers through his first two games, a discouraging 13.3% accuracy rate. Despite these struggles, he has shown some ability to get to the line, earning 14 free-throw attempts and converting 4-of-8 shots at the rim across the two contests.
Flashes of Potential
Dalton Knecht's recent performances might suggest a rough patch, but it's important to consider his collegiate achievements. In his final season at Tennessee, Knecht was a force, averaging 21.7 points per game and showcasing a deft shooting touch by hitting 42.3% of his catch-and-shoot three-pointers, according to Synergy Sports. These numbers are a testament to his potential, which likely played a role in him being a consensus top-10 pick leading up to the draft, before he unexpectedly slid out of the lottery on draft night.
Lakers’ summer league coach, Dane Johnson, remains optimistic about Knecht's future. "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, signaling faith in Knecht's ability to turn things around.
A Player Finding His Rhythm
Knecht himself acknowledges the difficulties he's facing but remains hopeful and focused. "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 reflected. This perspective underscores the necessity of patience and resilience in the face of adversity, a mindset crucial for any player looking to make their mark in the league.
Looking Forward
The Lakers still have one more game left in the California Classic, a matchup against the Miami Heat on Wednesday. This final opportunity in the Classic provides Knecht with another chance to find his footing and demonstrate the sharpshooting abilities that made him a standout in college.
Knecht's early struggles might be a bump in the road, but they also represent an opportunity for growth. The summer league is notorious for its ups and downs, and finding consistency often comes with time, especially for players transitioning from college to the professional stage. For now, the focus remains on incremental improvements, trusting in the process, and ensuring that each performance brings with it a learning experience essential for development in the NBA.
As the summer league progresses, all eyes will be on Dalton Knecht to see how he adjusts and responds. The potential for greatness is evident, and with the support of his coaches and teammates, there is hope that Knecht will soon find the rhythm that made him such a coveted prospect.