Dalton Knecht continues to grapple with finding his shooting form in the early stages of the California Classic, a performance that has somewhat dampened expectations for the young talent. The Lakers' latest encounter saw them succumbing to a 92-68 defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, where Knecht's struggles were notably evident.
In 22 minutes of play, the former Tennessee standout managed to score 12 points but did so on a challenging 3-of-13 shooting night. This follows another tough performance the day before, where Knecht shot 3-of-12 from the floor. Through his first two summer league games, Knecht has only converted 2-of-15 jumpers, translating to a mere 13.3% shooting accuracy from distance.
Despite these struggles, it's crucial to remember the context of Knecht's past success. In his final collegiate season with Tennessee, Knecht impressed scouts and fans alike with an average of 21.7 points per game. His shooting prowess was a significant part of this, as evidenced by him hitting 42.3% of his catch-and-shoot three-point attempts according to Synergy Sports. These numbers paint a stark contrast to his current form but showcase the potential that has yet to be fully unleashed at the professional level.
Knecht's Resilience and Adjustments
The Lakers' summer league coach, Dane Johnson, remains optimistic about Knecht's transition and future contributions. "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 remarked.
Knecht himself has acknowledged the adjustment period he is currently undergoing. "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 shared candidly, highlighting his focus on maintaining a shooter's mentality despite recent setbacks.
Signs of Progress Despite Shooting Woes
While Knecht's shooting mechanics are still catching up, there have been positive signs in other areas of his game. Notably, Knecht demonstrated an ability to get to the free-throw line frequently, making 14 trips in the first two games. He has also shown competence at the rim, converting 4-of-8 shots in this zone. These aspects of his game offer a glimpse of his versatility and potential to contribute in varied ways.
It's clear that the transition from collegiate to professional basketball is a challenging leap for any player, even one who was a consensus top-10 pick leading up to the draft before slipping out of the lottery on draft night. Knecht's early struggles in Summer League action should be viewed through this lens, emphasizing the importance of patience and continuous effort in his development journey.
Looking Towards the Next Challenge
The Lakers still have one more game left in the California Classic, facing the Miami Heat on Wednesday. This upcoming match presents another opportunity for Knecht to find his rhythm and demonstrate his scoring capability to both the coaching staff and fans alike. His ability to bounce back and adapt will be critical for his confidence and overall integration into the Lakers' team structure.
For now, both Knecht and the Lakers' coaching staff are emphasizing patience, focusing on development, and trusting in the process. As the summer league progresses, the hope is that Knecht will rediscover the form that made him a standout at Tennessee and an intriguing prospect heading into the NBA.