Former LA Lakers player Dalton Knecht has found a new home as the New York Knicks signed him to a two-way contract just days after the Purple and Gold outfit waived him.
The former Tennessee player was the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He had a solid rookie season, but after a poor second year and a disappointing preseason, the Lakers decided to waive him from their final roster.
However, just days later, Knecht has been picked by the Knicks, who waived Kevin McCullar Jr. to make room for the former Lakers player.
McCullar was one of the players on the Knicks roster who was given the ring on opening night. He had impressive performances for the team, but the franchise decided to give Knecht a chance to prove his talent to the rest of the league.
In the preseason, Knecht scored 11 points against the Golden State Warriors in one game and went scoreless in two others. His form has been in decline since the Lakers decided to trade him away, and a deal was even in place with the Charlotte Hornets. But after it collapsed due to Mark Williams’ failed medical, Knecht had to return to Los Angeles.
After that debacle, he has failed to find himself, which is why a change in environment could prove to be massive for him.
Fans react to Dalton Knecht signing with the New York Knicks
Knecht had a top rookie season. In a game against the Utah Jazz, he scored 37 points, draining 9 three-pointers, a record for a rookie in the NBA.
Despite his performances, the team included him in a trade package for Mark Williams; from then on, he failed to replicate the talent that was on display until February of 2025.
There is evidence that Knecht is a tremendous shooter. While it has not been on display in a long time, the Knicks are playing a gamble that can be fruitful.
Fans were excited to hear that the team had added another promising talent to the roster.
“Dalton getting a ring before Luka,” said one fan. An account named Real App on X added: “Knicks going back-to-back confirmed.”
Someone also stated: “Let shooters shoot……. We are wishing the best for this ex Laker.”
“This is a good swing for a player with shooting upside. If it works out, Knicks get an elite shooter. If it doesn’t, who cares. Good buy low from the Knicks,” a fan opined.
An account user remarked: “Good luck Dalton! Hopefully getting recruited by the champs is the confidence boost he needs.”
Knecht has a chance to do something special with the Knicks and even convert his two-way into a standard NBA contract. The team has a lot of special players who are selfless. He will have to adapt to this, as it is the only way he can succeed in the organisation.
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