The Los Angeles Lakers made a lot of noise in the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday night after they scooped up Dalton Knecht as the No. 17 overall pick. Many consider the Tennessee star as the steal of the draft, which is why the Lakers have received a lot of praise for landing the 6-foot-6 sharpshooter.
According to ESPN, however, it’s not LA who should be considered the biggest winners of the draft. That honor belongs to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Minnesota Timberwolves Won Big in 2024 NBA Draft
The Wolves made a huge move by striking a trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs for the No. 8 overall pick. This netted Minnesota Rob Dillingham, who is coming off a massive year with Kentucky. According to ESPN, this bold move gives the Timberwolves their version of Kyrie Irving, who is also seen as a long-term replacement for the aging Mike Conley.
“Dillingham is lightning in a bottle, ranking not only as one of the best scorers in this draft class already as a freshman, but also as an underrated passer who brings real creativity passing off a live dribble, a skill that he can continue to hone as his pro career moves forward. The fact he showed he can play off the ball, making 44% of his 3-pointers this season, will help him operate alongside a budding superstar in Anthony Edwards,” read the report.
Lakers Also Made Waves
According to reports, the fact that Knecht is now 23 was the main reason why he slid all the way down to the 17th spot. For their part, the Lakers were more than happy to pounce.
“Knecht is the most prolific scorer in this draft not named Zach Edey, averaging a robust 28 points per 40 minutes despite entire defenses planning for slowing him down on a nightly basis. He’s a prolific shooter who converted 40% of his 3s, but he also does quite a bit of damage in the open court, attacking closeouts, in pick-and-roll, in the post and coming off screens, making him a complete offensive player,” read the ESPN report.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick was reportedly delighted with this pick, especially considering how the front office never expected Knecht to be available at 17.
Other than Minnesota, the Lakers are also considered big winners of Wednesday’s draft.
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