Amidst the bright lights of the California Classic, Dalton Knecht’s search for his shooting touch has become a focal point. The Los Angeles Lakers' recent performances have highlighted Knecht’s struggle to channel his collegiate scoring prowess into summer league success. On Sunday, the Lakers fell to the Golden State Warriors with a 92-68 defeat, intensifying the spotlight on Knecht.
In that game, Knecht managed to score just 12 points, hitting only 3-of-13 from the field in his 22 minutes of action. The troubles persisted from the previous day, where he finished with 3-of-12 shooting. All in all, Knecht has connected on a mere 13.3% of his jumpers through his first two summer league games, draining just 2-of-15 attempts.
Knecht’s shooting woes are a stark contrast to his final collegiate season at Tennessee, where he averaged a staggering 21.7 points per game. Known for his sharpshooting, Knecht hit 42.3% of his catch-and-shoot three-pointers, according to Synergy Sports. Such statistics had him pegged as a consensus top-10 pick leading up to the draft. However, a slide out of the lottery on draft night has not done his confidence any favors.
Maintaining Patience and Confidence
The Lakers’ summer league coach, Dane Johnson, remains unperturbed by Knecht’s early struggles. "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’s sentiments echo the faith in Knecht’s innate scoring ability and the belief that it’s only a matter of time before he regains his rhythm.
Knecht himself is not bending under the pressure. "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," he reflected. His determination to maintain confidence and keep firing shots despite the slump reflects his ingrained scorer’s mentality.
Positive Elements Amid Struggles
Despite the evident shooting troubles, it’s not all grim for Knecht. His aggressive approach has seen him frequent the free-throw line, with 14 attempts across two games. Additionally, he has converted 4-of-8 shots at the rim, suggesting that his finishing ability in closer proximity to the basket remains intact. These glimpses of his overall scoring versatility could be vital for the Lakers as they progress through the summer league.
Looking Towards Miami
The Lakers have one remaining game in the California Classic, slated against the Miami Heat on Wednesday. This matchup represents another critical opportunity for Knecht to rediscover his shooting stroke and validate the faith placed in him by the Lakers organization. It will be another test of his resilience and ability to cope with the pressure that accompanies being a notable prospect trying to find his footing in the professional realm.
In conclusion, Dalton Knecht’s early struggles in the summer league are a part of his adjustment process. Much like many athletes before him, it’s about finding balance and confidence amidst the new environment. The patience of his coaches and his relentless belief in his shot will be key as he looks to translate his college success to the NBA stage.