Dalton Knecht has experienced a rocky start in the California Classic, struggling to find the shooting groove that made him a standout at Tennessee. Despite his efforts, the Lakers fell to the Golden State Warriors 92-68 on Sunday, adding to a less-than-stellar start for the rookie.
In Sunday’s game, Knecht recorded 12 points but did so on a dismal 3-of-13 shooting. His struggles weren't isolated to this game alone; the day prior, he finished 3-of-12 from the floor. Knecht's overall shooting statistics reveal a deeper issue—through his first two summer league appearances, he is a mere 2-of-15 on jump shots, translating to an accuracy rate of just 13.3%.
Knecht's performance at the rim has seen moderate success, as he has managed to convert 4-of-8 shots. Moreover, his ability to get to the free-throw line has been noteworthy, achieving 14 trips in the two games. However, these positive aspects haven't been enough to mask his overall shooting woes.
Reflecting on Knecht's preseason projections, his current struggles are surprising. In his final collegiate season at Tennessee, Knecht averaged an impressive 21.7 points per game. Known for his sharp shooting, he hit 42.3% of his catch-and-shoot three-point attempts according to Synergy Sports. Such credentials had him pegged as a consensus top-10 pick leading up to the draft before he eventually slid out of the lottery on draft night.
Lakers' summer league coach, Dane Johnson, remains optimistic about Knecht's potential despite his slow start. "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 said, underscoring the belief in Knecht's abilities.
For Knecht, finding rhythm and confidence remains paramount. He acknowledges that the transition back into competitive play has its challenges. "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 stated, reflecting a mindset rooted in perseverance and belief.
With one more game left in the California Classic against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, Knecht has an opportunity to recalibrate and showcase the talent that made him a coveted prospect not long ago. For now, both the team and fans will be watching closely, hoping that Knecht can find the form that once garnered him high regard across the basketball community.