The Los Angeles Lakers feel like they’ve come away with a big win in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, as Dalton Knecht landed on their lap at No .17. Many thought that Knecht wouldn’t slide that far down the draft, but 16 other players were called before him.
Knecht has every player picked ahead of him memorized as well as the teams that picked all those 16 players. It’s something that Knecht subtly indicated that he will use as a motivational fuel as he prepares for his first season in the NBA.
Via Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet:
Dalton Knecht asked about the teams that passed on him, and who went ahead of him: “I know all the players and teams, but I’m just excited to be here in the right place, and excited to get to work here and go out and compete.”
Dalton Knecht could make an impact right away for the Los Angeles Lakers
Knecht is someone who can be considered as an “old” rookie. At 23 years old, he’s older than the likes of Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero. Evan Mobley, who just finished his second season in the league, is also just 23 years old. However, the potential is still there for Knecht, who turned many heads in his last season with the Tennessee Volunteers. During his senior year, Knecht averaged 21.7 points on 45.8 percent shooting from the field and 39.7 percent shooting from behind the arc.
Knecht can give the Lakers a big boost on offense and lighten the load on the shoulders of the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
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