In his first two summer league games at the California Classic, Dalton Knecht has found the going tough as he attempts to adjust to the pace and rigor of NBA basketball. The former Tennessee standout, who dazzled in college with an average of 21.7 points per game, is now facing the reality of the professional stage, struggling to find his shooting touch and rhythm.
The Lakers, seeking promising talent to bolster their roster, witnessed a difficult outing for Knecht in their 92-68 defeat to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. Knecht managed to score 12 points but did so on a less-than-stellar 3-of-13 shooting in 22 minutes of play. This performance followed a similarly rocky effort on Saturday, where he finished 3-of-12 from the floor.
Knecht's Shooting Struggles
Through his initial two games, Knecht is a paltry 2-of-15 on jumpers, translating to a meager 13.3% accuracy rate. These numbers reflect a significant dip from his collegiate form, where he was notably efficient, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations, converting 42.3% of such attempts according to Synergy Sports.
However, it's not all doom and gloom for Knecht. He demonstrated his ability to draw fouls, getting to the free-throw line 14 times across the two games and showing some competence around the rim with 4-of-8 shots converted.
Coaching Patience and Player Resilience
Lakers' summer league coach, Dane Johnson, 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," Johnson said, indicating the belief that Knecht will eventually find his groove.
This sentiment was echoed by Knecht himself, who remains optimistic despite the early struggles. "I haven't played since March. Just finding my rhythm again and keep playing with these new guys and keep adjusting," Knecht said. Embracing a shooter's mentality, he added, "Shooters shoot. My dad always told me the next shot is going in. Shooters shoot."
A Promising Future Amidst Initial Struggles
Knecht’s journey is not uncommon among rookies transitioning from college to the NBA. The leap involves not only adjusting to the increased speed and physicality but also meshing with new teammates and systems. Early difficulties can often serve as valuable learning experiences, setting the stage for growth and adaptation.
Despite the rough start, Knecht's collegiate pedigree suggests he has the talent to thrive once he acclimates to his new environment. His previous performance made him a consensus top-10 pick leading up to the draft, only slipping out of the lottery on draft night. This hints at the high expectations and potential seen in him by various analysts and scouts.
The Lakers have one more game left in the California Classic, facing the Miami Heat on Wednesday. This presents another opportunity for Knecht to refine his game and build on the flashes of potential he has shown. While the pressure to perform can be intense, it’s clear that both the coaching staff and Knecht himself are focused on the long game, understanding that development in the NBA is a marathon, not a sprint.
For Knecht, it's about staying focused, maintaining confidence, and continuing to take his shots, trusting that his rhythm will return. As he stated, "Shooters shoot," and for the Lakers, there remains optimism that their young prospect will rediscover the form that made him a standout at Tennessee.