Dalton Knecht, a first-round draft pick by the Lakers in 2024, was officially waived by the team on Monday after only two seasons in Los Angeles. This isn’t just a small roster move, this is a No. 17 overall pick getting cut after barely two years. Talk about a brutal end to what started with so much promise.
From College Star to Rookie Hope
Man, it feels like yesterday when Knecht was tearing it up in college. He wasn’t just good, he was *the* guy, earning SEC Newcomer of the Year and then SEC Player of the Year honors in his one season with the Vols. That kind of college dominance is what made him a highly touted No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Everyone was hyped for his potential. And honestly, his rookie year showed flashes of why. In 78 games, averaging 19.2 minutes a night, he put up a solid 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. Plus, he was shooting 46.1% from the field and a respectable 37.6% from beyond the arc, with a 76.2% free throw clip. You saw the game there, right?
The Sophomore Slump Was Real, And The Numbers Don’t Lie
Then came year two, and man, it was a rough one. The minutes dropped significantly, from 19.2 down to just 10.2 per game. And with that, his production just fell off a cliff. He appeared in 54 games, but his averages plummeted to just 4.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.4 assists. His shooting percentages dipped too, with his field goal percentage at 45.5% and three-point percentage hitting 34.2%. Even his free throw game took a hit, down to 72.7%. When you look at his entire Lakers tenure, across 132 contests, he averaged 7.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.1 blocks. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly things can change in the league, especially when that second-year jump just doesn’t happen.
For a first-round talent, this is a tough break, and it really makes you wonder what’s next for Knecht.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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