Dalton Knecht’s early struggles in the California Classic have been evident as he searches for his rhythm on the court. Despite an impressive collegiate record, the transition to the summer league has proven challenging for the former Tennessee standout.
In the Lakers’ 92-68 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, Knecht managed to score 12 points but did so on a mere 3-of-13 shooting over 22 minutes of play. This performance followed another tough outing on Saturday, where he finished just 3-of-12 from the floor. Through the first two games of the summer league, Knecht has been 2-of-15 on jumpers, equating to a rough 13.3% shooting accuracy.
Despite his shooting woes, Knecht has shown flashes of his aggressive play by getting to the free-throw line 14 times across the two games. He also converted 4-of-8 shots at the rim, suggesting he’s trying to find different ways to contribute on the court while his jumper eludes him.
In his final season at Tennessee, Knecht averaged an impressive 21.7 points per game. Renowned for his shooting ability, he hit an exceptional 42.3% of his catch-and-shoot three-pointers, as per Synergy Sports. These stats bolstered him to a consensus top-10 pick prior to the draft, although he ultimately slid out of the lottery on draft night.
Lakers’ summer league coach, Dane Johnson, remains optimistic about Knecht’s potential. "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 mentioned.
Knecht himself is taking a pragmatic approach to his early challenges, acknowledging the long layoff 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 reflected.
Moving forward, Knecht and the Lakers have one more game left in the California Classic against the Miami Heat on Wednesday. It will be another opportunity for Knecht to showcase the skills that made him a highly touted player in college. While the beginning has been rocky, the potential and talent are undeniably there. Knecht’s journey is a reminder that transitions, even for the most promising athletes, can come with their share of hurdles and learning experiences. With patience and persistence, the young guard has the tools to find his groove and live up to the expectations.