Welcome to the Lake Show! Los Angeles draft Dalton Knecht as the 17th Pick in the 2024 NBA Draft
In a surprising turn of events, Dalton Knecht, widely projected as a top-10 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, finally heard his name called as the 17th pick by the Los Angeles Lakers. This selection marks a significant moment for Knecht, who has had an unconventional and inspiring journey to the NBA.
Knecht was in attendance at the draft with his family and University of Tennessee coach Rick Barnes. The Vols haven't had a lottery pick since 2002, making Knecht's selection even more special. His story is one of perseverance and hard work. Coming out of high school with no offers, Knecht went to community college to hone his skills before transferring to the University of Tennessee. Under Coach Barnes, he was pushed to his limits and grew into a true competitor.
Despite his undeniable talent and a standout season at Tennessee, Knecht's age played a role in his draft slide. At 23, he is one of the older prospects in the draft, and many NBA GMs opted for younger players, often 18 or 19 years old. This trend saw Knecht drop from projections as high as No. 6 overall, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony. Nevertheless, his perseverance paid off when the Lakers called his name.
The draft saw three players from France selected in the top 10, with Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr going No. 1 and No. 2 overall, respectively, and Tidjane Salaün picked No. 6 by the Charlotte Hornets—a slot where both ESPN and The Athletic had projected Knecht. Other potential landing spots for Knecht included the Utah Jazz at No. 10 and the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 9, but those teams chose Cody Williams and Zach Edey, respectively.
Knecht's lone season in Knoxville was nothing short of spectacular. He led the Vols to one of their best seasons in program history, ending in the NCAA Elite Eight. He earned consensus First Team All-American honors, was named SEC Player of the Year, and won the Julius Erving Award as the nation's top small forward. Knecht averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 45.8% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range.
Now, Knecht is headed to a Lakers team that needs to build around its stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His shooting ability and competitive spirit make him a perfect fit for a team looking to regain its championship form. Under the direction of new head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers are on a mission to return to glory, and Knecht could be a key piece in that puzzle.
"Dalton Knecht is a true competitor who has proven himself time and again," said Coach Barnes. "His work ethic, love for the game, and mental and physical readiness make him an excellent addition to the Lakers. I have no doubt he will thrive in the NBA."
As Knecht joins the Lakers, fans can look forward to seeing his sharpshooting and high basketball IQ contribute to the team's success. His journey from community college to the NBA is a testament to his determination and resilience, and now, the bright lights of Los Angeles await him.
