Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht started four games in a row recently when forward Rui Hachimura was sidelined with an ankle injury. When Hachimura returned, Knecht went back to the bench, but not for long. The sharpshooter returned to the starting lineup for the Lakers’ last two games alongside Hachimura.
Knecht is averaging 12.2 points in 23.8 minutes a game while shooting 49.7% from the field and 43.9% from 3-point range. As a starter, he’s at 19.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in 33.0 minutes a game, 52.6% field-goal shooting and 47.6% 3-point shooting.
Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick praised Knecht’s versatility and pointed out the fact that the rookie is more than just a 3-point specialist.
In addition to being a natural 3-point sniper, Knecht is proving he can effectively attack off the dribble, either when attacking closeouts or as a first resort. He also moves without the ball well and is a threat on the fast break, and he finishes strong at the rim. He actually leads all Lakers rotation players with an 88.9% shooting percentage on shots coming within three feet of the basket.
His effect on the team is coming into clear focus. When he has been on the court, it has had a net rating of 2.0, but without him, that number has plunged to minus-6.5. His mere presence opens up the floor for other players since opposing teams cannot safely help off of him defensively.