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The LA Lakers unexpectedly landed Tennessee sharpshooting wing Dalton Knecht at pick No. 17 in the 2024 NBA draft. Afterward, Lakers legend Magic Johnson provided two key reasons why Knecht projects to be a massive steal for LA.
Knecht is coming off a standout senior season with the Volunteers, winning SEC Player of the Year. He averaged 21.7 points, the eighth-most in the nation, on 45.8% shooting. Meanwhile, he shot 39.7% on 6.5 3-point attempts per game, establishing himself as one of the draft's top shooting prospects.
The 23-year-old was projected to be a mid-lottery pick. However, he ultimately slipped to No. 17, with many speculating about his older age and uncertain defensive ability being to blame.
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Nonetheless, Lakers supporters were thrilled with the pick, including Johnson, who raved about it on X/Twitter on Thursday. The five-time NBA champion highlighted Knecht's on-court fit with a veteran LA team lacking shooting. He also touched on his winning college background, which could enhance his chances of being an instant-impact rookie.
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"Laker Nation, an outstanding pick last night by our Lakers, selecting Dalton Knecht. I love it!" Johnson said.
"Dalton is just what the Lakers need, a deadly 3-point shooter/scorer, who is physically tough and has swag. He also played for a winning program and really good college coach at Tennessee, Rick Barnes! Dalton is a guy that has a chance to start or play a lot off the bench."
Rookies typically don't play substantial roles for aspiring title contenders. However, Knecht's experience and offensive fit could make him an exception.
This past season, LA connected on the seventh-fewest 3s per game (11.8). So, if Knecht's offense translates to the NBA, he could quickly become one of the Lakers' key rotation players alongside superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Rob Pelinka expects Dalton Knecht to make "real impact" for Lakers next season
Among those bullish on Dalton Knecht's prospects of helping LA immediately is Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.
After drafting Knecht, Pelinka said the franchise never considered the possibility he would still be available at pick No. 17. He added that the Lakers assigned the Tennessee marksman a Top 10 grade ahead of the draft.
Thus, Pelinka appeared thrilled to acquire Knecht, touching on his competitiveness and versatility outside his 3-point shooting ability.
"The SEC Player of the Year, one of the toughest conferences, so just his competitive nature stood out," Pelinka said.
"He’s a 3-level scorer. A guy that’s going to defend. He’s physical and athletic, really a 3-and-D player, which every roster craves. He’s also a really good athlete. ... There’s just a lot of versatility to his game, and I think he gives us a weapon that we currently don’t have on our roster."
Pelinka added that LA views Knecht as a player who can "make a real impact" next year. So, based on his comments, it appears Knecht could have a prime opportunity to earn considerable playing time right out of the gate.
