As the Lakers navigated the challenges of the California Classic, Dalton Knecht found himself wrestling with an unexpected struggle to locate his shooting rhythm. The Lakers' 92-68 defeat against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday underscored Knecht's current difficulties on the court.
In 22 minutes of play, Knecht managed to post 12 points but did so on a disappointing 3-of-13 shooting effort. This performance came on the heels of another tough game where he finished 3-of-12 from the field on Saturday. Over his first two summer league games, Knecht's accuracy has been troubling, hitting only 2-of-15 on jumpers, a mere 13.3%.
Despite these challenges, there are glimpses of Knecht's prowess. He has been assertive enough to get to the free-throw line 14 times over the two games and has shown some effectiveness at the rim, converting 4-of-8 shots. However, these flashes have yet to translate to the same level of success he enjoyed in his collegiate days at Tennessee, where he averaged 21.7 points per game and made 42.3% of his catch-and-shoot three-pointers.
Knecht's journey to the NBA spotlight has been marked by high expectations. Leading up to the draft, he was a consensus top-10 pick but found himself sliding out of the lottery on draft night. This has placed a magnifying glass on his performances, especially during the summer league, where prospects have their first major opportunity to make an impression on their new teams.
Coach's Perspective
Lakers' summer league coach Dane Johnson has maintained confidence in the young player, emphasizing the importance of patience. "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 stated.
These words from Johnson serve as a timely reminder that the summer league is as much about development and adjustment as it is about immediate performance. The transition to the NBA is a significant leap, and growing pains are an inevitable part of the process.
Knecht's Determination
Knecht himself remains optimistic and focused. Reflecting on his recent performances, he pointed out the substantial break since his last competitive game in March. "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 mindset is crucial for a player with Knecht's profile. The determination to keep shooting, even when the shots aren't falling, shows a resilience that will serve him well in his professional career. The ability to maintain confidence and poise under pressure is often what separates those who succeed from those who falter.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers have one more game left in the California Classic, facing the Miami Heat on Wednesday. This game will be another critical opportunity for Knecht to find his footing and demonstrate why he was so highly regarded prior to the draft. It will also serve as a chance for him to further acclimate to the speed and physicality of professional basketball.
While the early numbers may not be what Knecht or Lakers fans hoped for, the foundations of a strong player are evident. His collegiate record suggests that he has the skills and potential to be a valuable asset. What remains to be seen is how quickly he can make the necessary adjustments and start translating those skills to the NBA level.
The summer league is a learning ground, and for Dalton Knecht, it is a crucial phase in what could be a promising career. His performance against the Miami Heat will likely be watched closely as fans and coaches alike seek signs of progress. Regardless of the immediate outcomes, Knecht's journey through the summer league is laying the groundwork for his future in professional basketball.
Transitioning from collegiate success to professional consistency is no small feat, but with the support of his coaches and his own resilience, Knecht has the tools to overcome his early struggles and make his mark on the NBA.