Dalton Knecht: Why The Lakers Got A Draft Steal At No. 17

The Los Angeles Lakers may have just landed a steal in the 2024 NBA Draft by selecting Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick. Many analysts projected Knecht to be a lottery pick, some even placing him in the top 10. So, why did he fall? And more importantly, what does this mean for the Lakers?

The Draft Day Slide: Understanding Why Knecht Fell

Draft night is always full of surprises, guys, and Dalton Knecht's slide down the board was definitely one of them. Several factors could have contributed to this unexpected turn of events. First, the NBA is a league driven by narratives and perceived potential. Some teams might have been scared off by Knecht's age; he's a bit older than your typical draft prospect at 23. In a league often obsessed with youth and the promise of untapped potential, Knecht's more developed game might have been seen as having a lower ceiling.

Secondly, the draft is all about team needs and fits. Some teams in the lottery might have prioritized other positions or player archetypes that they felt were more pressing. For instance, a team already set at the wing positions might have opted for a big man or a point guard instead. It's all about constructing the best possible roster, and sometimes that means passing on a player who is highly rated overall but doesn't quite fit the team's specific needs.

Another factor could have been concerns about Knecht's defense. While he's an explosive scorer and a fantastic shooter, there have been questions raised about his ability to defend at the NBA level. Some teams might have been hesitant to invest a high draft pick in a player who could be a liability on the defensive end, especially in the playoffs where defense becomes even more critical.

Finally, pre-draft workouts and interviews can significantly impact a player's stock. If Knecht didn't perform as well as expected in his workouts or didn't connect with teams during interviews, it could have led to some teams souring on him. Remember, teams are not just evaluating a player's on-court abilities; they're also assessing their character, work ethic, and overall fit within the team culture. All these factors combined likely played a role in Knecht falling to the Lakers at No. 17.

Lakers' Gain: What Knecht Brings to the Table

Regardless of why he fell, the Lakers are undoubtedly thrilled to have landed a player of Knecht's caliber. What exactly are they getting? Dalton Knecht is, first and foremost, a scorer. He can flat-out put the ball in the basket. During his final season at Tennessee, he averaged nearly 22 points per game while shooting a blistering 40% from three-point range. In today's NBA, where spacing and shooting are paramount, that kind of offensive firepower is incredibly valuable.

Knecht is not just a shooter; he's a complete offensive player. He can create his own shot off the dribble, attack the basket with aggression, and finish in a variety of ways. He's also a smart player who understands how to move without the ball and find open spots on the floor. This versatility will make him a valuable asset for the Lakers, as he can fit into a variety of offensive schemes and play alongside different players.

Beyond his scoring ability, Knecht brings a level of toughness and competitiveness that the Lakers will appreciate. He's not afraid to mix it up and battle for rebounds, and he plays with a relentless energy that is contagious. This grit and determination will endear him to Lakers fans and make him a valuable contributor on both ends of the court.

One of the most exciting aspects of Knecht's game is his potential to develop into a reliable defender. While he may not be a lockdown defender right now, he has the physical tools and the work ethic to improve in this area. With proper coaching and development, he could become a solid two-way player who can contribute on both ends of the floor. For a team looking to add some offensive punch and defensive potential, Knecht is a perfect fit. His addition could very well turn out to be the steal of the draft.

How Knecht Fits with the Lakers' Roster

The Lakers have been actively seeking to add more shooting and offensive firepower to their roster, and Knecht addresses that need perfectly. His ability to space the floor and knock down shots will open up driving lanes for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, making the Lakers' offense even more potent. Imagine LeBron kicking out to Knecht for an open three – that's a scenario that Lakers fans will be salivating over.

Furthermore, Knecht's ability to create his own shot will take some of the pressure off LeBron and AD, who have often had to carry the offensive load. He can provide a much-needed scoring punch when those guys are resting or struggling, which will be crucial during the long NBA season and especially in the playoffs.

Knecht's fit with the Lakers extends beyond just his offensive abilities. His toughness and competitiveness will also be a welcome addition to a team that has sometimes lacked grit and determination. He's the kind of player who will dive for loose balls, take charges, and do all the little things that contribute to winning. This will make him a valuable asset in the locker room as well as on the court.

Of course, there will be an adjustment period as Knecht gets acclimated to the NBA game and learns to play alongside LeBron and AD. But his talent and work ethic suggest that he will be able to adapt quickly and become a valuable contributor for the Lakers. He's got the chance to learn from some of the best in the game, and he's got the kind of attitude that suggests he'll make the most of that opportunity.

The Road Ahead: Expectations for Knecht's Rookie Season

It's important to temper expectations for Knecht's rookie season. He's still a young player who is learning the NBA game, and he will undoubtedly experience some growing pains. However, his talent and potential are undeniable, and he has the opportunity to make a significant impact for the Lakers right away.

Realistic expectations for Knecht's rookie season would be for him to average around 10-12 points per game while shooting a respectable percentage from three-point range. He will likely come off the bench initially, providing a scoring punch and energy boost for the second unit. As he gets more comfortable and develops his game, he could eventually earn a starting role.

Defensively, Knecht will need to improve his awareness and his ability to stay in front of his man. He will likely be targeted by opposing teams early on, so he will need to work hard to become a more reliable defender. With proper coaching and development, he has the potential to become a solid two-way player.

Ultimately, the Lakers will be hoping that Knecht can develop into a long-term piece of their core. He has the talent and the work ethic to become a star in the NBA, and he's got the chance to do it in one of the league's most iconic franchises. If he can live up to his potential, the Lakers will have found a steal in the draft.

Conclusion: A Potential Home Run for the Lakers

Dalton Knecht's fall to the No. 17 pick was a surprise, but it could end up being a huge win for the Los Angeles Lakers. He's a talented scorer, a tough competitor, and a player with a high ceiling. He fits perfectly with the Lakers' roster and addresses a significant need for shooting and offensive firepower. While there will be an adjustment period, Knecht has the potential to become a valuable contributor for the Lakers right away and a long-term piece of their core. Only time will tell if he lives up to the hype, but the Lakers have to be feeling pretty good about landing a player of his caliber at No. 17. This could be the steal of the draft, guys! Get ready for some exciting basketball.