Dalton Knecht, once a standout for the Tennessee Volunteers, has been finding it tough to rediscover his scoring touch during the California Classic. As the Los Angeles Lakers continue their summer league campaign, Knecht's quest for rhythm remains a work in progress.
The Lakers suffered a significant setback against the Golden State Warriors, falling 92-68 on Sunday. In that match, Knecht contributed 12 points but struggled mightily from the field, shooting just 3-of-13 in his 22 minutes. This followed another difficult outing on Saturday where he managed to shoot 3-of-12, underscoring his current shooting woes.
Knecht's performance through the first two summer league games hasn't been quite what Lakers fans were hoping for from the former collegiate star. He is currently 2-of-15 on jumpers, a stark 13.3% accuracy rate that has left many wondering when his collegiate form will translate to the professional level. Despite these struggles, there have been glimpses of the player who averaged an impressive 21.7 points per game in his final season at Tennessee, where he hit a remarkable 42.3% of his catch-and-shoot 3-pointers according to Synergy Sports.
During these initial summer league games, Knecht has found some success getting to the free-throw line, making 14 trips over two games. However, his in-game shooting consistency needs to catch up as he has only converted 4-of-8 shots at the rim.
Lakers’ summer league coach, Dane Johnson, remains optimistic about Knecht's abilities and 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," Johnson said. "He's a great shooter. Let the game come to him. There are some [flashes] where you see that he's got it."
Knecht, reflecting on his current form, pointed to the long layoff since his last competitive game. "I haven't played since March. Just finding my rhythm again and keep playing with these new guys and keep adjusting," he shared. "Shooters shoot. My dad always told me the next shot is going in. Shooters shoot."
As the Lakers prepare for their final game of the California Classic against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, Knecht will undoubtedly be looking to recapture the scoring prowess that made him a consensus top-10 pick leading up to the draft, even though he eventually slid out of the lottery on draft night.
The early struggles could be seen as growing pains during his transition to the professional game. Adjustments to the pace and physicality of NBA-level competition are part of the process for any young player. For Knecht, these summer league games are critical not just for his shooting touch but for gaining confidence and building chemistry with his new teammates under a professional system.
Beyond the statistics and shooting percentages, these moments in summer league play are invaluable. They offer real-time learning opportunities to refine skills, make in-game adjustments, and develop resilience in the face of early challenges. Knecht's ability to adapt and push through these initial hurdles could set the tone for his development over the coming months.
While fans and analysts may be quick to scrutinize early performances, it’s the long view that truly matters here. The California Classic is but a stepping stone in Knecht's journey toward becoming the impactful player he's shown he can be. With support from his coaching staff and a determined mindset, the next chapters of his career are yet to be written, promising a blend of challenges and achievements.
For now, patience and perseverance will be key as Dalton Knecht continues to adjust, evolve, and aim for success with the Lakers. The flashes of potential are evident, and it's only a matter of time before they translate into consistent on-court production.