The Lakers drafted Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick

This offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers parted ways with head coach Darvin Ham after two winning seasons. That included a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2023. However, that was not enough for Ham to keep his job. To the surprise of no one, JJ Redick was hired as the next head coach of the Lakers. 

That was one of the worst-kept secrets this offseason. Regardless, Redick is now the head coach in Los Angeles. Last night, the team had their first teal decision to make with Redick in his position. The Lakers had the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. General Manager Rob Pelinka said the team was thrilled to draft Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht. They had him ranked as a top-10 prospect in the draft class. Being able to get Knecht at #17 was “extraordinary” value according to Pelinka.

How will the Lakers use Dalton Knecht in his rookie season?

Dalton Knecht hit 40% from three and named best SF in the nation 🎯

Lakers got one 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LVtNf9ywHe

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 27, 2024

With the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Lakers selected Dalton Knecht out of Tennessee. Last season, Knecht was a consensus All-American in his lone season with the Volunteers. Knecht started his career at Northeastern Junior College before he played two seasons in the Big Sky at Northern Colorado. He used his final year of eligibility to play for Tennesee and was one of the best players in the country. The 23-year-old averaged (21.7) points, (4.9) rebounds, and (1.6) assists per game.

During the 2023-24 season, Knecht averaged a career-high (.391) percent from beyond the arc. He averaged (6.5) threes per game last season. Now, the 2023-24 SEC Player of the Year is heading to Los Angeles to play for one of the most storied franchises in the sport. At 23, Knecht is an experienced rookie. Most players drafted in the first round play one year in college and then take their talents to the pros. However, Dalton Knecht played five seasons…

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Author : Zach Wolpin

Publish date : 2024-06-27 14:48:53

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