Dalton Knecht, the promising talent who impressed many during his collegiate career at Tennessee, has hit a rough patch in his inaugural stint with the Los Angeles Lakers during the California Classic. Despite his undeniable potential, Knecht has experienced troubles finding his rhythm on the court, much to the concern of Lakers fans and coaches.
In their game against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, the Lakers were overpowered, resulting in a 92-68 loss. Knecht’s performance was underwhelming as he managed to put up just 12 points with a precarious 3-of-13 shooting in 22 minutes of play. The previous game offered no solace either; Knecht finished a disappointing 3-of-12 from the floor on Saturday.
Shooting Struggles
Through his first two summer league games, Knecht’s jump shot accuracy has been alarmingly low. Hitting just 2-of-15 attempts, he’s clocking in at a mere 13.3% success rate. Knecht’s struggle at the free-throw line has also compounded his difficulties, converting only 4-of-8 shots at the rim despite getting to the line 14 times across the two games.
This is a stark contrast to his performance in his final collegiate season, where he averaged an impressive 21.7 points per game and hit 42.3% of his catch-and-shoot three-pointers, according to Synergy Sports. This promising shooter had been a consensus top-10 pick heading into the draft, although he unexpectedly slid out of the lottery on draft night.
Coach's Perspective
Despite the slow start, the Lakers’ summer league coach, Dane Johnson, has expressed patience and confidence in 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," said Johnson.
Johnson’s insight highlights the importance of patience and the unpredictable nature of player development in competitive scenarios like the summer league. These early games are often where young players adapt to the higher level of competition, aiming to sync their collegiate prowess with professional demands.
Player's Outlook
Knecht himself remains resolute and positive, acknowledging the break from competitive play since March and the challenges of integrating with a new team. "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 remarked.
This kind of mental fortitude is essential for any player facing a slump. Knecht’s commitment to continue shooting, combined with his impressive track record, suggests that this is merely a temporary setback. The confidence in his ability to find his rhythm again is crucial for his development.
Future Prospects
The Lakers have one more game left in the California Classic, set to face the Miami Heat on Wednesday. This matchup presents another opportunity for Knecht to break out of his shooting woes and realign with the potential that made him a standout in college. Both fans and coaches will be watching closely, hoping to see the flashes of talent that landed him a spot on the Lakers’ summer league roster.
As with any young player transitioning to the professional level, patience and perseverance are key. While the initial games have been rough, Knecht’s raw talent and previous achievements cannot be discounted. His journey through the summer league will be closely monitored, with the hope that his resilience will turn early struggles into future successes.