Dalton Knecht finds himself navigating through a tough start at the California Classic, a summer league that has seen its fair share of raw talent. The Lakers' engagement in the classic took a sharp dip as they fell to the Golden State Warriors with a lopsided score of 92-68 on Sunday. Knecht, striving to find his groove, managed to put up 12 points, albeit from a laborious 3-of-13 shooting performance within his 22 minutes on the floor.
Emerging from Saturday's game with a similarly dismal 3-of-12 shooting, Knecht's initial foray into the summer league has not been reflective of his collegiate prowess. His current spree has him at a stark 2-of-15 on jump shots, a mere 13.3% accuracy, a far cry from his stellar performance at Tennessee. In his final collegiate season, Knecht didn’t just perform; he thrived, averaging an impressive 21.7 points per game.
The transition from college to professional summer league basketball has proven challenging for the young guard. However, Knecht managed to show some resilience through his ability to draw fouls, getting to the free-throw line 14 times across the two games, and making 4-of-8 attempts at the rim. Despite the difficulties in execution, his effort to keep pushing forward remains unhampered.
Dalton Knecht's trajectory leading up to the draft was one of high promise. Regarded as a consensus top-10 pick, his fall out of the lottery on draft night took many by surprise. His college career was highlighted by a solid 42.3% shooting from catch-and-shoot three-pointers, according to data from Synergy Sports, reinforcing his credentials as a legitimate scoring threat.
As the Lakers approach their final game in the California Classic against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, the emphasis remains on patience and development. Lakers' summer league coach Dane Johnson emphasized this perspective, stating, "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."
Knecht himself is aware of the struggle but remains undeterred. "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," he shared, encapsulating the unwavering belief he carries onto the court every game.
The California Classic, while a brief stint, represents a crucial opportunity for Knecht to adjust to professional play and refine his game. As a player who has shown tremendous potential, his journey through these initial struggles could well be a precursor to a breakthrough.
For Dalton Knecht, the journey is as much about mental fortitude as it is about physical skill. The Lakers' faith in him, corroborated by Coach Johnson’s support and the experience gained through each game, will be key in shaping his trajectory in the league. This early phase, marked by its rough edges, is a crucible in which a player like Knecht can mold his collegiate success into a professional reality.
As the Lakers prepare for their showdown with the Miami Heat, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Knecht, waiting for the sparks of brilliance that his journey promises. In this unfolding narrative, patience and perseverance are not just virtues—they’re essential. The arena lights are bright, the stage is set, and for Dalton Knecht, the journey has only just begun.