Dalton Knecht has encountered a rocky start to his professional career, struggling to find his rhythm during the California Classic. The Los Angeles Lakers' prospect has faced shooting woes in his first two appearances, casting a shadow over what many anticipated to be a promising debut.
The Lakers experienced a tough loss against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, falling 92-68. Knecht, who played 22 minutes, scored 12 points but struggled with his efficiency, managing just 3-of-13 from the field. This performance came on the heels of another challenging game on Saturday, where he finished 3-of-12. Combined, Knecht has sunk just 2-of-15 jump shots through his initial summer league outings, translating to a meager 13.3% accuracy.
Despite the shooting struggles, Knecht remained active and aggressive, getting to the free-throw line 14 times across the two games and converting 4-of-8 shots at the rim. His perseverance and work ethic do signal flashes of his potential that fans, coaches, and teammates have been quick to acknowledge.
Keeping Faith in Knecht
Lakers’ summer league coach Dane Johnson has been vocal about maintaining patience with the young player. "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 expressed.
Knecht himself acknowledges the struggle and adjusts his mindset accordingly. "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 commented.
College Success vs. Professional Reality
Knecht's challenges in the summer league are a stark contrast to his final season at Tennessee, where he averaged an impressive 21.7 points per game. During his collegiate career, he was particularly effective from beyond the arc, hitting 42.3% of his catch-and-shoot three-pointers, as documented by Synergy Sports.
Coming into the draft with high expectations, Knecht was a consensus top-10 pick. However, he slid out of the lottery on draft night, a shift that surprised many analysts. This drop has only amplified the scrutiny and pressure he faces to perform and prove his worth in the summer league and eventually, the NBA regular season.
The Road Ahead
With one more game left in the California Classic against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, Knecht has another opportunity to find his shooting touch and make a strong impression. As the Lakers and their coaching staff continue to evaluate talent and build chemistry, Knecht's ability to adjust and showcase the skills he demonstrated in college will be crucial.
For many players entering their professional careers, the transition from college to the NBA is fraught with challenges. Knecht's early struggles serve as a reminder of the steep learning curve and the resilience required to succeed at the highest level of basketball. As the summer league progresses, the hope is that Knecht will find his form and reaffirm why he was regarded so highly leading up to the draft.
Ultimately, budding stars like Knecht often face turbulent beginnings. However, with the right mindset and team support, many can overcome early adversities to flourish in their careers. All eyes will be on Knecht as he continues to navigate this initial phase and strive to fulfill his potential as a sharpshooter and dynamic scorer for the Lakers.