EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers chosen Dalton Knecht out of Tennessee with the No. 17 choose in Wednesday’s NBA draft, the primary consensus All-American drafted by L.A. since taking Lonzo Ball No. 2 in 2017.
“In my thoughts, there isn’t a manner a participant like this will likely be obtainable for us to choose on draft evening,” mentioned Lakers vice chairman of basketball operations and common supervisor Rob Pelinka. “Throughout the board, simply could not be happier.”
Knecht, 23, averaged 21.7 factors on 49.9% capturing (39.7% from 3) in his lone season with the Volunteers after starting his collegiate profession at Northeastern Junior School in Colorado then enjoying two seasons for Northern Colorado within the Massive Sky Convention. The 6-foot-5, 212-pound wing led Tennessee to the Elite Eight within the NCAA match in March, scoring 37 factors in an elimination loss to No. 1-seeded Purdue.
The SEC participant of the yr was slated to go No. 6 to the Charlotte Hornets in ESPN’s mock draft printed simply earlier than the primary spherical, and Pelinka mentioned the Lakers have been shocked Knecht was obtainable after their inside draft board ranked him within the high 10.
“If we might have had the tenth choose within the draft, we might have taken him,” Pelinka mentioned. “So, to get that worth at 17 is admittedly extraordinary.”
Knecht mentioned his draft evening fall mirrored his basketball upbringing. As a highschool senior, he didn’t discipline a single Division I scholarship supply.
“Each time I contact a basketball or stroll right into a gymnasium, I at all times really feel like I received one thing to show; and it would not matter the place I am at, it is at all times going to be there and have that chip on my shoulder for feeling like I have been underrated my complete life,” Knecht informed reporters at New York’s Barclays Heart after being drafted. “So, it is going to be one thing that I will carry with me for the remainder of my profession.”
The Knecht choice marks the primary main choice for the Lakers franchise since JJ Redick was employed as its new coach. Pelinka mentioned that Knecht’s skills as a motion shooter reminds him of Redick as a participant.
Redick, in accordance with Pelinka, instantly began drawing up performs to run for Knecht on the whiteboard within the Lakers’ draft room after the staff known as in its choose to the league.
“That is actually thrilling,” Knecht informed reporters when knowledgeable of Redick’s response. “At Tennessee, I watched a variety of JJ Redick with Coach [Rick] Barnes and simply the best way he strikes and paces himself and was capable of create house. So, listening to that, it is actually thrilling, and it is going to be actual particular.”
Lakers star LeBron James gave Knecht a shoutout whereas discussing the rising reputation of ladies’s faculty basketball in early April after L.A. performed on the Washington Wizards a number of days after Tennessee’s match run had ended.
“We watched that Purdue-Tennessee recreation due to Zach Edey and Knecht,” James mentioned on the time. “Gamers, relying on who they’re, will drive the eye in relation to viewership.”
Knecht mentioned he virtually did not imagine what James mentioned was actual when he first noticed the video.
“I keep in mind that clip,” Knecht informed reporters. “I awakened and rolled off the bed and I assumed it was pretend as a result of tons of individuals have been texting me. I used to be similar to, ‘There is not any manner.’ And after I watched that video, it simply introduced a smile to my face. And in addition my dad and mom, they known as me straight away and informed me about it.
“So, that is simply going to be particular. And it is going to be enjoyable simply to be sharing that courtroom with each of them, [Anthony Davis] and Bron. Bron’s one of many biggest. So, it is going to be actual particular.”
Whereas Pelinka actually was happy with how the evening went for his staff, he admitted L.A. had canvassed the league for trades main as much as Wednesday, however to no avail. The Lakers had three first-round draft picks, together with this yr’s at No. 17, obtainable to incorporate in any potential deal.
“We explored each improve we might to make our staff higher,” Redick mentioned. “I do suppose when you polled all 30 GMs throughout the league, simply normally, trades have change into harder due to the brand new CBA system. And so, there’s much less entry, I feel, to creating these massive strikes than possibly there was below the outdated system. However it did not maintain us from making an attempt to have a look at every part and methods to place ourselves in methods to be in place to be higher. However even this choose alone I really feel like provides us a giant increase, and we’re enthusiastic about it.”
The second spherical of the draft will likely be held Thursday. The Lakers personal choose No. 55.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers chosen Dalton Knecht out of Tennessee with the No. 17 choose in Wednesday’s NBA draft, the primary consensus All-American drafted by L.A. since taking Lonzo Ball No. 2 in 2017.
“In my thoughts, there isn’t a manner a participant like this will likely be obtainable for us to choose on draft evening,” mentioned Lakers vice chairman of basketball operations and common supervisor Rob Pelinka. “Throughout the board, simply could not be happier.”
Knecht, 23, averaged 21.7 factors on 49.9% capturing (39.7% from 3) in his lone season with the Volunteers after starting his collegiate profession at Northeastern Junior School in Colorado then enjoying two seasons for Northern Colorado within the Massive Sky Convention. The 6-foot-5, 212-pound wing led Tennessee to the Elite Eight within the NCAA match in March, scoring 37 factors in an elimination loss to No. 1-seeded Purdue.
The SEC participant of the yr was slated to go No. 6 to the Charlotte Hornets in ESPN’s mock draft printed simply earlier than the primary spherical, and Pelinka mentioned the Lakers have been shocked Knecht was obtainable after their inside draft board ranked him within the high 10.
“If we might have had the tenth choose within the draft, we might have taken him,” Pelinka mentioned. “So, to get that worth at 17 is admittedly extraordinary.”
Knecht mentioned his draft evening fall mirrored his basketball upbringing. As a highschool senior, he didn’t discipline a single Division I scholarship supply.
“Each time I contact a basketball or stroll right into a gymnasium, I at all times really feel like I received one thing to show; and it would not matter the place I am at, it is at all times going to be there and have that chip on my shoulder for feeling like I have been underrated my complete life,” Knecht informed reporters at New York’s Barclays Heart after being drafted. “So, it is going to be one thing that I will carry with me for the remainder of my profession.”
The Knecht choice marks the primary main choice for the Lakers franchise since JJ Redick was employed as its new coach. Pelinka mentioned that Knecht’s skills as a motion shooter reminds him of Redick as a participant.
Redick, in accordance with Pelinka, instantly began drawing up performs to run for Knecht on the whiteboard within the Lakers’ draft room after the staff known as in its choose to the league.
“That is actually thrilling,” Knecht informed reporters when knowledgeable of Redick’s response. “At Tennessee, I watched a variety of JJ Redick with Coach [Rick] Barnes and simply the best way he strikes and paces himself and was capable of create house. So, listening to that, it is actually thrilling, and it is going to be actual particular.”
Lakers star LeBron James gave Knecht a shoutout whereas discussing the rising reputation of ladies’s faculty basketball in early April after L.A. performed on the Washington Wizards a number of days after Tennessee’s match run had ended.
“We watched that Purdue-Tennessee recreation due to Zach Edey and Knecht,” James mentioned on the time. “Gamers, relying on who they’re, will drive the eye in relation to viewership.”
Knecht mentioned he virtually did not imagine what James mentioned was actual when he first noticed the video.
“I keep in mind that clip,” Knecht informed reporters. “I awakened and rolled off the bed and I assumed it was pretend as a result of tons of individuals have been texting me. I used to be similar to, ‘There is not any manner.’ And after I watched that video, it simply introduced a smile to my face. And in addition my dad and mom, they known as me straight away and informed me about it.
“So, that is simply going to be particular. And it is going to be enjoyable simply to be sharing that courtroom with each of them, [Anthony Davis] and Bron. Bron’s one of many biggest. So, it is going to be actual particular.”
Whereas Pelinka actually was happy with how the evening went for his staff, he admitted L.A. had canvassed the league for trades main as much as Wednesday, however to no avail. The Lakers had three first-round draft picks, together with this yr’s at No. 17, obtainable to incorporate in any potential deal.
“We explored each improve we might to make our staff higher,” Redick mentioned. “I do suppose when you polled all 30 GMs throughout the league, simply normally, trades have change into harder due to the brand new CBA system. And so, there’s much less entry, I feel, to creating these massive strikes than possibly there was below the outdated system. However it did not maintain us from making an attempt to have a look at every part and methods to place ourselves in methods to be in place to be higher. However even this choose alone I really feel like provides us a giant increase, and we’re enthusiastic about it.”
The second spherical of the draft will likely be held Thursday. The Lakers personal choose No. 55.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers chosen Dalton Knecht out of Tennessee with the No. 17 choose in Wednesday’s NBA draft, the primary consensus All-American drafted by L.A. since taking Lonzo Ball No. 2 in 2017.
“In my thoughts, there isn’t a manner a participant like this will likely be obtainable for us to choose on draft evening,” mentioned Lakers vice chairman of basketball operations and common supervisor Rob Pelinka. “Throughout the board, simply could not be happier.”
Knecht, 23, averaged 21.7 factors on 49.9% capturing (39.7% from 3) in his lone season with the Volunteers after starting his collegiate profession at Northeastern Junior School in Colorado then enjoying two seasons for Northern Colorado within the Massive Sky Convention. The 6-foot-5, 212-pound wing led Tennessee to the Elite Eight within the NCAA match in March, scoring 37 factors in an elimination loss to No. 1-seeded Purdue.
The SEC participant of the yr was slated to go No. 6 to the Charlotte Hornets in ESPN’s mock draft printed simply earlier than the primary spherical, and Pelinka mentioned the Lakers have been shocked Knecht was obtainable after their inside draft board ranked him within the high 10.
“If we might have had the tenth choose within the draft, we might have taken him,” Pelinka mentioned. “So, to get that worth at 17 is admittedly extraordinary.”
Knecht mentioned his draft evening fall mirrored his basketball upbringing. As a highschool senior, he didn’t discipline a single Division I scholarship supply.
“Each time I contact a basketball or stroll right into a gymnasium, I at all times really feel like I received one thing to show; and it would not matter the place I am at, it is at all times going to be there and have that chip on my shoulder for feeling like I have been underrated my complete life,” Knecht informed reporters at New York’s Barclays Heart after being drafted. “So, it is going to be one thing that I will carry with me for the remainder of my profession.”
The Knecht choice marks the primary main choice for the Lakers franchise since JJ Redick was employed as its new coach. Pelinka mentioned that Knecht’s skills as a motion shooter reminds him of Redick as a participant.
Redick, in accordance with Pelinka, instantly began drawing up performs to run for Knecht on the whiteboard within the Lakers’ draft room after the staff known as in its choose to the league.
“That is actually thrilling,” Knecht informed reporters when knowledgeable of Redick’s response. “At Tennessee, I watched a variety of JJ Redick with Coach [Rick] Barnes and simply the best way he strikes and paces himself and was capable of create house. So, listening to that, it is actually thrilling, and it is going to be actual particular.”
Lakers star LeBron James gave Knecht a shoutout whereas discussing the rising reputation of ladies’s faculty basketball in early April after L.A. performed on the Washington Wizards a number of days after Tennessee’s match run had ended.
“We watched that Purdue-Tennessee recreation due to Zach Edey and Knecht,” James mentioned on the time. “Gamers, relying on who they’re, will drive the eye in relation to viewership.”
Knecht mentioned he virtually did not imagine what James mentioned was actual when he first noticed the video.
“I keep in mind that clip,” Knecht informed reporters. “I awakened and rolled off the bed and I assumed it was pretend as a result of tons of individuals have been texting me. I used to be similar to, ‘There is not any manner.’ And after I watched that video, it simply introduced a smile to my face. And in addition my dad and mom, they known as me straight away and informed me about it.
“So, that is simply going to be particular. And it is going to be enjoyable simply to be sharing that courtroom with each of them, [Anthony Davis] and Bron. Bron’s one of many biggest. So, it is going to be actual particular.”
Whereas Pelinka actually was happy with how the evening went for his staff, he admitted L.A. had canvassed the league for trades main as much as Wednesday, however to no avail. The Lakers had three first-round draft picks, together with this yr’s at No. 17, obtainable to incorporate in any potential deal.
“We explored each improve we might to make our staff higher,” Redick mentioned. “I do suppose when you polled all 30 GMs throughout the league, simply normally, trades have change into harder due to the brand new CBA system. And so, there’s much less entry, I feel, to creating these massive strikes than possibly there was below the outdated system. However it did not maintain us from making an attempt to have a look at every part and methods to place ourselves in methods to be in place to be higher. However even this choose alone I really feel like provides us a giant increase, and we’re enthusiastic about it.”
The second spherical of the draft will likely be held Thursday. The Lakers personal choose No. 55.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers chosen Dalton Knecht out of Tennessee with the No. 17 choose in Wednesday’s NBA draft, the primary consensus All-American drafted by L.A. since taking Lonzo Ball No. 2 in 2017.
“In my thoughts, there isn’t a manner a participant like this will likely be obtainable for us to choose on draft evening,” mentioned Lakers vice chairman of basketball operations and common supervisor Rob Pelinka. “Throughout the board, simply could not be happier.”
Knecht, 23, averaged 21.7 factors on 49.9% capturing (39.7% from 3) in his lone season with the Volunteers after starting his collegiate profession at Northeastern Junior School in Colorado then enjoying two seasons for Northern Colorado within the Massive Sky Convention. The 6-foot-5, 212-pound wing led Tennessee to the Elite Eight within the NCAA match in March, scoring 37 factors in an elimination loss to No. 1-seeded Purdue.
The SEC participant of the yr was slated to go No. 6 to the Charlotte Hornets in ESPN’s mock draft printed simply earlier than the primary spherical, and Pelinka mentioned the Lakers have been shocked Knecht was obtainable after their inside draft board ranked him within the high 10.
“If we might have had the tenth choose within the draft, we might have taken him,” Pelinka mentioned. “So, to get that worth at 17 is admittedly extraordinary.”
Knecht mentioned his draft evening fall mirrored his basketball upbringing. As a highschool senior, he didn’t discipline a single Division I scholarship supply.
“Each time I contact a basketball or stroll right into a gymnasium, I at all times really feel like I received one thing to show; and it would not matter the place I am at, it is at all times going to be there and have that chip on my shoulder for feeling like I have been underrated my complete life,” Knecht informed reporters at New York’s Barclays Heart after being drafted. “So, it is going to be one thing that I will carry with me for the remainder of my profession.”
The Knecht choice marks the primary main choice for the Lakers franchise since JJ Redick was employed as its new coach. Pelinka mentioned that Knecht’s skills as a motion shooter reminds him of Redick as a participant.
Redick, in accordance with Pelinka, instantly began drawing up performs to run for Knecht on the whiteboard within the Lakers’ draft room after the staff known as in its choose to the league.
“That is actually thrilling,” Knecht informed reporters when knowledgeable of Redick’s response. “At Tennessee, I watched a variety of JJ Redick with Coach [Rick] Barnes and simply the best way he strikes and paces himself and was capable of create house. So, listening to that, it is actually thrilling, and it is going to be actual particular.”
Lakers star LeBron James gave Knecht a shoutout whereas discussing the rising reputation of ladies’s faculty basketball in early April after L.A. performed on the Washington Wizards a number of days after Tennessee’s match run had ended.
“We watched that Purdue-Tennessee recreation due to Zach Edey and Knecht,” James mentioned on the time. “Gamers, relying on who they’re, will drive the eye in relation to viewership.”
Knecht mentioned he virtually did not imagine what James mentioned was actual when he first noticed the video.
“I keep in mind that clip,” Knecht informed reporters. “I awakened and rolled off the bed and I assumed it was pretend as a result of tons of individuals have been texting me. I used to be similar to, ‘There is not any manner.’ And after I watched that video, it simply introduced a smile to my face. And in addition my dad and mom, they known as me straight away and informed me about it.
“So, that is simply going to be particular. And it is going to be enjoyable simply to be sharing that courtroom with each of them, [Anthony Davis] and Bron. Bron’s one of many biggest. So, it is going to be actual particular.”
Whereas Pelinka actually was happy with how the evening went for his staff, he admitted L.A. had canvassed the league for trades main as much as Wednesday, however to no avail. The Lakers had three first-round draft picks, together with this yr’s at No. 17, obtainable to incorporate in any potential deal.
“We explored each improve we might to make our staff higher,” Redick mentioned. “I do suppose when you polled all 30 GMs throughout the league, simply normally, trades have change into harder due to the brand new CBA system. And so, there’s much less entry, I feel, to creating these massive strikes than possibly there was below the outdated system. However it did not maintain us from making an attempt to have a look at every part and methods to place ourselves in methods to be in place to be higher. However even this choose alone I really feel like provides us a giant increase, and we’re enthusiastic about it.”
The second spherical of the draft will likely be held Thursday. The Lakers personal choose No. 55.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers chosen Dalton Knecht out of Tennessee with the No. 17 choose in Wednesday’s NBA draft, the primary consensus All-American drafted by L.A. since taking Lonzo Ball No. 2 in 2017.
“In my thoughts, there isn’t a manner a participant like this will likely be obtainable for us to choose on draft evening,” mentioned Lakers vice chairman of basketball operations and common supervisor Rob Pelinka. “Throughout the board, simply could not be happier.”
Knecht, 23, averaged 21.7 factors on 49.9% capturing (39.7% from 3) in his lone season with the Volunteers after starting his collegiate profession at Northeastern Junior School in Colorado then enjoying two seasons for Northern Colorado within the Massive Sky Convention. The 6-foot-5, 212-pound wing led Tennessee to the Elite Eight within the NCAA match in March, scoring 37 factors in an elimination loss to No. 1-seeded Purdue.
The SEC participant of the yr was slated to go No. 6 to the Charlotte Hornets in ESPN’s mock draft printed simply earlier than the primary spherical, and Pelinka mentioned the Lakers have been shocked Knecht was obtainable after their inside draft board ranked him within the high 10.
“If we might have had the tenth choose within the draft, we might have taken him,” Pelinka mentioned. “So, to get that worth at 17 is admittedly extraordinary.”
Knecht mentioned his draft evening fall mirrored his basketball upbringing. As a highschool senior, he didn’t discipline a single Division I scholarship supply.
“Each time I contact a basketball or stroll right into a gymnasium, I at all times really feel like I received one thing to show; and it would not matter the place I am at, it is at all times going to be there and have that chip on my shoulder for feeling like I have been underrated my complete life,” Knecht informed reporters at New York’s Barclays Heart after being drafted. “So, it is going to be one thing that I will carry with me for the remainder of my profession.”
The Knecht choice marks the primary main choice for the Lakers franchise since JJ Redick was employed as its new coach. Pelinka mentioned that Knecht’s skills as a motion shooter reminds him of Redick as a participant.
Redick, in accordance with Pelinka, instantly began drawing up performs to run for Knecht on the whiteboard within the Lakers’ draft room after the staff known as in its choose to the league.
“That is actually thrilling,” Knecht informed reporters when knowledgeable of Redick’s response. “At Tennessee, I watched a variety of JJ Redick with Coach [Rick] Barnes and simply the best way he strikes and paces himself and was capable of create house. So, listening to that, it is actually thrilling, and it is going to be actual particular.”
Lakers star LeBron James gave Knecht a shoutout whereas discussing the rising reputation of ladies’s faculty basketball in early April after L.A. performed on the Washington Wizards a number of days after Tennessee’s match run had ended.
“We watched that Purdue-Tennessee recreation due to Zach Edey and Knecht,” James mentioned on the time. “Gamers, relying on who they’re, will drive the eye in relation to viewership.”
Knecht mentioned he virtually did not imagine what James mentioned was actual when he first noticed the video.
“I keep in mind that clip,” Knecht informed reporters. “I awakened and rolled off the bed and I assumed it was pretend as a result of tons of individuals have been texting me. I used to be similar to, ‘There is not any manner.’ And after I watched that video, it simply introduced a smile to my face. And in addition my dad and mom, they known as me straight away and informed me about it.
“So, that is simply going to be particular. And it is going to be enjoyable simply to be sharing that courtroom with each of them, [Anthony Davis] and Bron. Bron’s one of many biggest. So, it is going to be actual particular.”
Whereas Pelinka actually was happy with how the evening went for his staff, he admitted L.A. had canvassed the league for trades main as much as Wednesday, however to no avail. The Lakers had three first-round draft picks, together with this yr’s at No. 17, obtainable to incorporate in any potential deal.
“We explored each improve we might to make our staff higher,” Redick mentioned. “I do suppose when you polled all 30 GMs throughout the league, simply normally, trades have change into harder due to the brand new CBA system. And so, there’s much less entry, I feel, to creating these massive strikes than possibly there was below the outdated system. However it did not maintain us from making an attempt to have a look at every part and methods to place ourselves in methods to be in place to be higher. However even this choose alone I really feel like provides us a giant increase, and we’re enthusiastic about it.”
The second spherical of the draft will likely be held Thursday. The Lakers personal choose No. 55.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers chosen Dalton Knecht out of Tennessee with the No. 17 choose in Wednesday’s NBA draft, the primary consensus All-American drafted by L.A. since taking Lonzo Ball No. 2 in 2017.
“In my thoughts, there isn’t a manner a participant like this will likely be obtainable for us to choose on draft evening,” mentioned Lakers vice chairman of basketball operations and common supervisor Rob Pelinka. “Throughout the board, simply could not be happier.”
Knecht, 23, averaged 21.7 factors on 49.9% capturing (39.7% from 3) in his lone season with the Volunteers after starting his collegiate profession at Northeastern Junior School in Colorado then enjoying two seasons for Northern Colorado within the Massive Sky Convention. The 6-foot-5, 212-pound wing led Tennessee to the Elite Eight within the NCAA match in March, scoring 37 factors in an elimination loss to No. 1-seeded Purdue.
The SEC participant of the yr was slated to go No. 6 to the Charlotte Hornets in ESPN’s mock draft printed simply earlier than the primary spherical, and Pelinka mentioned the Lakers have been shocked Knecht was obtainable after their inside draft board ranked him within the high 10.
“If we might have had the tenth choose within the draft, we might have taken him,” Pelinka mentioned. “So, to get that worth at 17 is admittedly extraordinary.”
Knecht mentioned his draft evening fall mirrored his basketball upbringing. As a highschool senior, he didn’t discipline a single Division I scholarship supply.
“Each time I contact a basketball or stroll right into a gymnasium, I at all times really feel like I received one thing to show; and it would not matter the place I am at, it is at all times going to be there and have that chip on my shoulder for feeling like I have been underrated my complete life,” Knecht informed reporters at New York’s Barclays Heart after being drafted. “So, it is going to be one thing that I will carry with me for the remainder of my profession.”
The Knecht choice marks the primary main choice for the Lakers franchise since JJ Redick was employed as its new coach. Pelinka mentioned that Knecht’s skills as a motion shooter reminds him of Redick as a participant.
Redick, in accordance with Pelinka, instantly began drawing up performs to run for Knecht on the whiteboard within the Lakers’ draft room after the staff known as in its choose to the league.
“That is actually thrilling,” Knecht informed reporters when knowledgeable of Redick’s response. “At Tennessee, I watched a variety of JJ Redick with Coach [Rick] Barnes and simply the best way he strikes and paces himself and was capable of create house. So, listening to that, it is actually thrilling, and it is going to be actual particular.”
Lakers star LeBron James gave Knecht a shoutout whereas discussing the rising reputation of ladies’s faculty basketball in early April after L.A. performed on the Washington Wizards a number of days after Tennessee’s match run had ended.
“We watched that Purdue-Tennessee recreation due to Zach Edey and Knecht,” James mentioned on the time. “Gamers, relying on who they’re, will drive the eye in relation to viewership.”
Knecht mentioned he virtually did not imagine what James mentioned was actual when he first noticed the video.
“I keep in mind that clip,” Knecht informed reporters. “I awakened and rolled off the bed and I assumed it was pretend as a result of tons of individuals have been texting me. I used to be similar to, ‘There is not any manner.’ And after I watched that video, it simply introduced a smile to my face. And in addition my dad and mom, they known as me straight away and informed me about it.
“So, that is simply going to be particular. And it is going to be enjoyable simply to be sharing that courtroom with each of them, [Anthony Davis] and Bron. Bron’s one of many biggest. So, it is going to be actual particular.”
Whereas Pelinka actually was happy with how the evening went for his staff, he admitted L.A. had canvassed the league for trades main as much as Wednesday, however to no avail. The Lakers had three first-round draft picks, together with this yr’s at No. 17, obtainable to incorporate in any potential deal.
“We explored each improve we might to make our staff higher,” Redick mentioned. “I do suppose when you polled all 30 GMs throughout the league, simply normally, trades have change into harder due to the brand new CBA system. And so, there’s much less entry, I feel, to creating these massive strikes than possibly there was below the outdated system. However it did not maintain us from making an attempt to have a look at every part and methods to place ourselves in methods to be in place to be higher. However even this choose alone I really feel like provides us a giant increase, and we’re enthusiastic about it.”
The second spherical of the draft will likely be held Thursday. The Lakers personal choose No. 55.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers chosen Dalton Knecht out of Tennessee with the No. 17 choose in Wednesday’s NBA draft, the primary consensus All-American drafted by L.A. since taking Lonzo Ball No. 2 in 2017.
“In my thoughts, there isn’t a manner a participant like this will likely be obtainable for us to choose on draft evening,” mentioned Lakers vice chairman of basketball operations and common supervisor Rob Pelinka. “Throughout the board, simply could not be happier.”
Knecht, 23, averaged 21.7 factors on 49.9% capturing (39.7% from 3) in his lone season with the Volunteers after starting his collegiate profession at Northeastern Junior School in Colorado then enjoying two seasons for Northern Colorado within the Massive Sky Convention. The 6-foot-5, 212-pound wing led Tennessee to the Elite Eight within the NCAA match in March, scoring 37 factors in an elimination loss to No. 1-seeded Purdue.
The SEC participant of the yr was slated to go No. 6 to the Charlotte Hornets in ESPN’s mock draft printed simply earlier than the primary spherical, and Pelinka mentioned the Lakers have been shocked Knecht was obtainable after their inside draft board ranked him within the high 10.
“If we might have had the tenth choose within the draft, we might have taken him,” Pelinka mentioned. “So, to get that worth at 17 is admittedly extraordinary.”
Knecht mentioned his draft evening fall mirrored his basketball upbringing. As a highschool senior, he didn’t discipline a single Division I scholarship supply.
“Each time I contact a basketball or stroll right into a gymnasium, I at all times really feel like I received one thing to show; and it would not matter the place I am at, it is at all times going to be there and have that chip on my shoulder for feeling like I have been underrated my complete life,” Knecht informed reporters at New York’s Barclays Heart after being drafted. “So, it is going to be one thing that I will carry with me for the remainder of my profession.”
The Knecht choice marks the primary main choice for the Lakers franchise since JJ Redick was employed as its new coach. Pelinka mentioned that Knecht’s skills as a motion shooter reminds him of Redick as a participant.
Redick, in accordance with Pelinka, instantly began drawing up performs to run for Knecht on the whiteboard within the Lakers’ draft room after the staff known as in its choose to the league.
“That is actually thrilling,” Knecht informed reporters when knowledgeable of Redick’s response. “At Tennessee, I watched a variety of JJ Redick with Coach [Rick] Barnes and simply the best way he strikes and paces himself and was capable of create house. So, listening to that, it is actually thrilling, and it is going to be actual particular.”
Lakers star LeBron James gave Knecht a shoutout whereas discussing the rising reputation of ladies’s faculty basketball in early April after L.A. performed on the Washington Wizards a number of days after Tennessee’s match run had ended.
“We watched that Purdue-Tennessee recreation due to Zach Edey and Knecht,” James mentioned on the time. “Gamers, relying on who they’re, will drive the eye in relation to viewership.”
Knecht mentioned he virtually did not imagine what James mentioned was actual when he first noticed the video.
“I keep in mind that clip,” Knecht informed reporters. “I awakened and rolled off the bed and I assumed it was pretend as a result of tons of individuals have been texting me. I used to be similar to, ‘There is not any manner.’ And after I watched that video, it simply introduced a smile to my face. And in addition my dad and mom, they known as me straight away and informed me about it.
“So, that is simply going to be particular. And it is going to be enjoyable simply to be sharing that courtroom with each of them, [Anthony Davis] and Bron. Bron’s one of many biggest. So, it is going to be actual particular.”
Whereas Pelinka actually was happy with how the evening went for his staff, he admitted L.A. had canvassed the league for trades main as much as Wednesday, however to no avail. The Lakers had three first-round draft picks, together with this yr’s at No. 17, obtainable to incorporate in any potential deal.
“We explored each improve we might to make our staff higher,” Redick mentioned. “I do suppose when you polled all 30 GMs throughout the league, simply normally, trades have change into harder due to the brand new CBA system. And so, there’s much less entry, I feel, to creating these massive strikes than possibly there was below the outdated system. However it did not maintain us from making an attempt to have a look at every part and methods to place ourselves in methods to be in place to be higher. However even this choose alone I really feel like provides us a giant increase, and we’re enthusiastic about it.”
The second spherical of the draft will likely be held Thursday. The Lakers personal choose No. 55.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers chosen Dalton Knecht out of Tennessee with the No. 17 choose in Wednesday’s NBA draft, the primary consensus All-American drafted by L.A. since taking Lonzo Ball No. 2 in 2017.
“In my thoughts, there isn’t a manner a participant like this will likely be obtainable for us to choose on draft evening,” mentioned Lakers vice chairman of basketball operations and common supervisor Rob Pelinka. “Throughout the board, simply could not be happier.”
Knecht, 23, averaged 21.7 factors on 49.9% capturing (39.7% from 3) in his lone season with the Volunteers after starting his collegiate profession at Northeastern Junior School in Colorado then enjoying two seasons for Northern Colorado within the Massive Sky Convention. The 6-foot-5, 212-pound wing led Tennessee to the Elite Eight within the NCAA match in March, scoring 37 factors in an elimination loss to No. 1-seeded Purdue.
The SEC participant of the yr was slated to go No. 6 to the Charlotte Hornets in ESPN’s mock draft printed simply earlier than the primary spherical, and Pelinka mentioned the Lakers have been shocked Knecht was obtainable after their inside draft board ranked him within the high 10.
“If we might have had the tenth choose within the draft, we might have taken him,” Pelinka mentioned. “So, to get that worth at 17 is admittedly extraordinary.”
Knecht mentioned his draft evening fall mirrored his basketball upbringing. As a highschool senior, he didn’t discipline a single Division I scholarship supply.
“Each time I contact a basketball or stroll right into a gymnasium, I at all times really feel like I received one thing to show; and it would not matter the place I am at, it is at all times going to be there and have that chip on my shoulder for feeling like I have been underrated my complete life,” Knecht informed reporters at New York’s Barclays Heart after being drafted. “So, it is going to be one thing that I will carry with me for the remainder of my profession.”
The Knecht choice marks the primary main choice for the Lakers franchise since JJ Redick was employed as its new coach. Pelinka mentioned that Knecht’s skills as a motion shooter reminds him of Redick as a participant.
Redick, in accordance with Pelinka, instantly began drawing up performs to run for Knecht on the whiteboard within the Lakers’ draft room after the staff known as in its choose to the league.
“That is actually thrilling,” Knecht informed reporters when knowledgeable of Redick’s response. “At Tennessee, I watched a variety of JJ Redick with Coach [Rick] Barnes and simply the best way he strikes and paces himself and was capable of create house. So, listening to that, it is actually thrilling, and it is going to be actual particular.”
Lakers star LeBron James gave Knecht a shoutout whereas discussing the rising reputation of ladies’s faculty basketball in early April after L.A. performed on the Washington Wizards a number of days after Tennessee’s match run had ended.
“We watched that Purdue-Tennessee recreation due to Zach Edey and Knecht,” James mentioned on the time. “Gamers, relying on who they’re, will drive the eye in relation to viewership.”
Knecht mentioned he virtually did not imagine what James mentioned was actual when he first noticed the video.
“I keep in mind that clip,” Knecht informed reporters. “I awakened and rolled off the bed and I assumed it was pretend as a result of tons of individuals have been texting me. I used to be similar to, ‘There is not any manner.’ And after I watched that video, it simply introduced a smile to my face. And in addition my dad and mom, they known as me straight away and informed me about it.
“So, that is simply going to be particular. And it is going to be enjoyable simply to be sharing that courtroom with each of them, [Anthony Davis] and Bron. Bron’s one of many biggest. So, it is going to be actual particular.”
Whereas Pelinka actually was happy with how the evening went for his staff, he admitted L.A. had canvassed the league for trades main as much as Wednesday, however to no avail. The Lakers had three first-round draft picks, together with this yr’s at No. 17, obtainable to incorporate in any potential deal.
“We explored each improve we might to make our staff higher,” Redick mentioned. “I do suppose when you polled all 30 GMs throughout the league, simply normally, trades have change into harder due to the brand new CBA system. And so, there’s much less entry, I feel, to creating these massive strikes than possibly there was below the outdated system. However it did not maintain us from making an attempt to have a look at every part and methods to place ourselves in methods to be in place to be higher. However even this choose alone I really feel like provides us a giant increase, and we’re enthusiastic about it.”
The second spherical of the draft will likely be held Thursday. The Lakers personal choose No. 55.