Dalton Knecht: The Unlikely Rookie of the Year Contender, Ready for Stardom

#1

JohnWardForever

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#1
Dalton Knecht: The Unlikely Rookie of the Year Contender, Ready for Stardom
In the grand theater of the NBA, where legends rise and rookies often stumble, a new name is emerging under the bright lights of Los Angeles. Enter Dalton Knecht—a name that, not long ago, might have echoed only within the gyms of Tennessee and Northern Colorado. But now, this 23-year-old rookie, playing alongside the titans of basketball royalty, has the chance to cement himself as a legitimate contender for Rookie of the Year.
Ladies and gentlemen, this isn’t your ordinary rookie tale. Knecht's journey to the NBA was not paved with glittering accolades from his teenage years. No, his path was one of grit and determination. Starting out at a junior college, making his way through Northern Colorado, and finally landing at Tennessee, Knecht learned the hard way that nothing is given, everything must be earned. And boy, did he earn it—showcasing his lethal shooting touch and fierce competitive spirit.
Ah, but this is Los Angeles, and as we all know, the stakes are as high as the Pacific waves. Knecht walks onto a team that boasts none other than LeBron James and Anthony Davis. To say the pressure is immense would be a vast understatement. The Lakers, a team forever in pursuit of the next ring, do not have the luxury of waiting for potential. They need results, and they need them now.
But fear not, for this young man from Aurora, Colorado, has shown he is ready to deliver. His shooting prowess is exactly what this team craves, after ranking near the bottom in three-point attempts last season. Knecht, with his sweet stroke from downtown, is the kind of player who can stand on the perimeter, catch a pass from LeBron, and let it fly with precision. His ability to space the floor, find open looks, and sink shots from deep could be the missing ingredient in the Lakers’ championship recipe.
Now, before we start engraving his name on the Rookie of the Year trophy, let’s not forget the other side of the equation—defense. The NBA is unforgiving to those who neglect the art of stopping their opponents. Knecht, despite his impressive size at 6'6", still has work to do on the defensive end. He’ll be tasked with guarding quicker, stronger, and more polished players than he's ever faced. The roadblocks to consistent minutes will be steep, as the Lakers' rotation is packed with talented guards and wings.
But—and this is where the beauty of sports comes alive—Knecht thrives under pressure. It’s what got him here in the first place. His role on this Lakers squad is not simply to be another body; he is here to contribute, to win, and to rise above the competition. His Summer League performances already gave us glimpses of what could be, averaging over 17 points per game and hitting tough, contested shots that make you lean forward in your seat, eagerly waiting for the next one.
Here’s where the legend of Dalton Knecht might truly unfold: in a draft class where many top picks are still finding their way, Knecht has the opportunity to make an immediate impact. On a Lakers team that’s contending for the playoffs, if not the championship, every contribution he makes will be magnified. The bright lights, the roaring crowd, the chants of “MVP” for LeBron—Knecht will be there, knocking down threes, running off screens, and playing his part in the grand spectacle of Lakers basketball.
So, as we approach the opening tip of the 2024-25 NBA season, the question lingers: Can Dalton Knecht win Rookie of the Year? If he continues to show the poise, skill, and determination he’s demonstrated thus far, if he finds a way to secure his place in the rotation and offer the Lakers the consistent shooting they desperately need—well, ladies and gentlemen, don’t be surprised if his name is in the mix.
And with the stage set in Los Angeles, where stars are born and legends are made, Dalton Knecht might just become the latest in a long line of Lakers who leave their mark on the annals of NBA history.
 
#5
#5
ehh who has Knecht in the rookie of the year race? I am a huge DK fan and Lakers fan....he will best case get 6th man minutes which will be enough for all rookie team but rookie of the year is Edeys to lose at this point because of situation. He is going to start in Memphis day 1 and play big minutes. DK scored 5 in his debut (I think he will average 10 a game barring injuries to starters)
 
#7
#7
Yeah, I'm not banking on a realistic chance of Knecht getting ROTY at this time. Perhaps my opinion will change as the season progresses.
It will probably depend on their record. If they somehow challenge in the West, Knecht will probably have been a big contributor in that result
 
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#16
#16
ehh who has Knecht in the rookie of the year race? I am a huge DK fan and Lakers fan....he will best case get 6th man minutes which will be enough for all rookie team but rookie of the year is Edeys to lose at this point because of situation. He is going to start in Memphis day 1 and play big minutes. DK scored 5 in his debut (I think he will average 10 a game barring injuries to starters)

Ehhhhh..DK will eventually be starting...Ehhh, then winning ROTY....Ehhhhh....
 
#17
#17
DK landed in a good City for press coverage, if he has an above average rookie season and the Lakers are contenders. He will have the main stream media behind him because of the market. This is a good thing for Dalton, we shall see how this transprires, im pulling for him whole heartly.
 
#18
#18
ehh who has Knecht in the rookie of the year race? I am a huge DK fan and Lakers fan....he will best case get 6th man minutes which will be enough for all rookie team but rookie of the year is Edeys to lose at this point because of situation. He is going to start in Memphis day 1 and play big minutes. DK scored 5 in his debut (I think he will average 10 a game barring injuries to starters)
Edey isn’t playing big minutes if he doesn’t learn how not to collect 6 fouls in 14 minutes. Hopefully he figures out that the NBA refs aren’t going to let him get away with what they did in college. If he can rebound and be physical without fouling, that’s really all the Grizz need from him.
 
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#19
#19
DK landed in a good City for press coverage, if he has an above average rookie season and the Lakers are contenders. He will have the main stream media behind him because of the market. This is a good thing for Dalton, we shall see how this transprires, im pulling for him whole heartly.
Yep, he couldn’t have landed in a better spot.
 
#21
#21
Bronny will get this award, its already been decided. Average 3 points (all foul shots) 1 assist (to his Dad) and 1 rebound (came straight to him) per game.
 
#22
#22
Ehhhhh..DK will eventually be starting...Ehhh, then winning ROTY....Ehhhhh....
Not happening. He has a role. If the Lakers want to win he is 6th/7th man. IF DK is starting then its because of injuries and/or the team is packing it in for the year and getting him experience. That second thing wont happen with the lakers unless they are literally mathematically eliminated they will still play for the playoffs. There area lot of teams DK would start on, the Lakers is not one of them. Will his minutes expand as the season goes on? Most likely. His minutes are more dependent on what others (Christie, Reddish, Hood-Scifino) do or don't do than what he does.
 
#23
#23
Not happening. He has a role. If the Lakers want to win he is 6th/7th man. IF DK is starting then its because of injuries and/or the team is packing it in for the year and getting him experience. That second thing wont happen with the lakers unless they are literally mathematically eliminated they will still play for the playoffs. There area lot of teams DK would start on, the Lakers is not one of them. Will his minutes expand as the season goes on? Most likely. His minutes are more dependent on what others (Christie, Reddish, Hood-Scifino) do or don't do than what he does.
Yep, they want DK’s scoring on the second unit.
 
#24
#24
Yep, they want DK’s scoring on the second unit.
For sure. He will have some matchup starts and some injury starts as the season goes on. But he is a perfect match for their second unit. A lot of those guys are more defensive players than scorers. Just because of the teams they are on I think ROTY come down to Reed Sheppard and Zach Edey. I do not think either of them will be a better NBA player than DK when its ll said and done because he in my opinion has a higher ceiling. His offensive game and size are already there he just has to work on defense some and like I've said many times be the second coming of Thunder Dan. Majerle was a woefully underappreciated player.

Sheppard is gonna be limited because of his size. It makes his role less flexible.
Edey is 7'4" best case prognosis for his career is 10 years. guys that big can't play at a high level for long because of physics. (I know that's gonna get the kids worked up).

But both are in positions to put up big numbers because of their teams and the roles they will play. Fred Vanfleet has never played a full NBA season he averages 61 games a year that's 21 starts for Reed plus he is likely the main backup at the 1 and 2. edey if he can stay healthy and can stop fouling like its the point of the game is going to be a problem in the post for everyone not Denver or Philly.
 

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