Dalton Knecht hasn’t been a legitimate rotational player for JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers this year.
The former first-round pick entered his second NBA season with lofty expectations, but hasn’t done enough to earn Redick’s trust and remove himself from the former Philadelphia 76ers sharpshooter’s doghouse.
However, it’s worth noting that Redick made an unexpected decision regarding Knecht that could help the Tennessee product get back on track.
“Lakers coach JJ Redick said Dalton Knecht will 'get a look' both tonight in the (Memphis) Grizzlies and 'in the foreseeable future' in hopes to help the team’s 3-point shooting,” Spectrum SportsNet’s Mark Medina reported Friday.
Knecht, who failed to record a point in 11 minutes against the Grizzlies, is in the same boat as the Lakers’ 2024 second-round pick, Bronny James.
While Knecht has unquestionably exhibited more promise in a Lakers uniform thus far, he, like James, isn’t progressing at the rate the organization expected him to.
The 24-year-old can be a dangerous offensive weapon when he’s in a rhythm. Outside of isolation scoring and spot-up shooting, though, Knecht doesn’t bring much to the table.
Why is that an issue? Well, considering the Lakers already have wings that are more prolific scorers than Knecht, the 6-foot-6 reserve is putting himself at a disadvantage by failing to expand his game.
Fortunately for Knecht, Redick hasn’t given up on him just yet.
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