Dalton Knecht is skating on thin ice as he struggles to regain his form during the California Classic. The budding prospect, once a consensus top-10 pick in the recent NBA draft, has found himself unable to find his shooting stroke, posing early challenges in his summer league journey with the Los Angeles Lakers.
In their latest outing, the Lakers faced a crushing 92-68 defeat against the Golden State Warriors. Knecht, flaunting promising credentials from his collegiate days, was still far from the reliable scorer he had been at Tennessee. Despite playing 22 minutes, he managed to score just 12 points while shooting a dreary 3-of-13 from the field. This game followed a similarly lackluster performance on Saturday, where Knecht finished 3-of-12 from the floor.
Struggles in the Spotlight
Through the first two summer league games, Knecht's shooting woes have been a focal point. He stands at an abysmal 2-of-15 on jump shots, a mere 13.3% accuracy. These numbers starkly contrast with his performance in his final college season at Tennessee, where he averaged a robust 21.7 points per game. Additionally, he had been more efficient with catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, hitting them at a commendable 42.3% according to Synergy Sports.
Despite the shooting slump, Knecht has shown flashes of his ability to draw fouls and score close to the basket. He got to the free-throw line 14 times across the two games and converted 4-of-8 shots at the rim. This indicates that while his jump shot struggles might be making the headlines, there are elements of his game that retain their potency.
Coach's Confidence
In light of Knecht's early performance, Lakers’ summer league coach, Dane Johnson, remains optimistic about the young guard's future. "Just being patient with it. It's a long summer league. It's going to come. He's a great player, so I'm not worried about him missing some of the shots he's taking. He's a great shooter. Let the game come to him. There are some [flashes] where you see that he's got it," Johnson commented.
Such patience and perspective are essential as Knecht navigates the transition from college basketball to the NBA, particularly under the intense scrutiny that summer leagues bring. Johnson's approach indicates a belief in Knecht's long-term potential rather than a focus on short-term setbacks.
Knecht's Self-Belief
The player himself echoes this sentiment, reflecting on his journey and the challenges of finding rhythm. "I haven't played since March. Just finding my rhythm again and keep playing with these new guys and keep adjusting. … Shooters shoot. My dad always told me the next shot is going in. Shooters shoot," Knecht shared.
This resilience and unwavering confidence are key attributes for any athlete facing a slump. Recognizing the sporadic nature of performance inconsistencies, especially after a significant break, is pivotal to his mental and physical game.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers have one more game left in the California Classic against the Miami Heat on Wednesday. For Dalton Knecht, this game presents another opportunity to showcase his skills and begin to shift the narrative of his summer league performance. With his background and the support of his coach, there remains a strong belief that he can turn things around. As the summer league progresses, all eyes will be on whether the projected top-10 pick can revert to his formative college ways and prove his mettle on the professional stage.