Dalton Knecht’s Ranking in the NBA Rookie of the Year Race

The Los Angeles Lakers may have found a diamond in the rough with Dalton Knecht, their 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Despite early challenges, the 23-year-old rookie has emerged as a promising talent, even garnering attention in the competitive Rookie of the Year (ROY) race. Let’s dive into Knecht’s journey, his current standing in ROY power rankings, and what it will take for him to make Lakers history.

Dalton Knecht: From College Star to NBA Prospect

Knecht’s rise to prominence began at the University of Tennessee, where he electrified fans as the SEC Player of the Year and a First Team All-American. His stellar college season led Tennessee to the Elite Eight, marking a historic run for the program. Despite his undeniable talent, Knecht fell to the 17th pick due to concerns about his age—a decision that now appears to favor the Lakers.

A Promising Start in the NBA

Knecht’s rookie campaign began with mixed results. After scoring 35 points in a preseason finale against the Phoenix Suns, he struggled to find consistent form early in the regular season, averaging just 6.1 points in his first 10 games. However, injuries to key players like Rui Hachimura opened the door for Knecht to showcase his abilities.

In November, Knecht turned heads by averaging nearly 19 points per game, including a remarkable 37-point performance against the Utah Jazz, where he sank nine three-pointers. This hot streak vaulted him to second place in the ROY race behind Jared McCain of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Current Standing in Rookie of the Year Rankings

As the season progresses, Knecht has experienced ups and downs, reflecting the natural challenges faced by rookies. Here’s where he currently stands in prominent ROY rankings:

• NBA.com Rookie Ladder: Knecht ranks sixth. His position is behind Jared McCain, Stephon Castle (Spurs), Jaylen Wells (Grizzlies), Yves Missi (Pelicans), and Zaccharie Risacher (Hawks). His inconsistent playing time and cold shooting spells have impacted his standing.
• USA Today (as of Dec. 5): Knecht held second place behind McCain before recent struggles. This highlights how quickly rankings can shift in a wide-open race.
• ClutchPoints Rankings: Similar to NBA.com, Knecht is ranked sixth. ClutchPoints notes his potential but acknowledges that fluctuations in his shooting and role have hurt his case.

A Wide-Open Rookie of the Year Race

This year’s ROY race lacks a clear front-runner, as the draft class did not include a consensus top pick like Victor Wembanyama. Instead, players like McCain, Castle, and Wells have seized the spotlight at different times, leaving room for Knecht to climb the ladder.

Notably, McCain’s recent meniscus injury could open the door for other contenders, including Knecht, to rise in the rankings.

The Lakers’ Rookie History: A Chance for Knecht to Shine

Amazingly, the Lakers have only one Rookie of the Year winner in franchise history—Elgin Baylor in 1959, when the team was still in Minneapolis. Legends like Jerry West, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant all fell short of earning the award. Could Knecht become the first ROY for the Los Angeles Lakers?

What’s Next for Knecht?

To solidify his ROY candidacy, Knecht will need to:

• Regain Consistency: His scoring touch, particularly from three-point range, must return.
• Seize Opportunities: Injuries to teammates could provide more playing time, which he must capitalize on.
• Enhance His Impact: Both offensively and defensively, Knecht must contribute in ways that elevate the team.

Conclusion

Dalton Knecht’s journey has been one of perseverance and potential. While he currently trails in the Rookie of the Year race, the wide-open nature of the competition gives him a fighting chance. With over half the season remaining, Knecht has ample opportunity to make his mark—and perhaps even make history for the Lakers.

If Knecht continues to develop and finds consistency, he could well become the standout rookie that Los Angeles has been waiting for. For now, Lakers fans have every reason to be optimistic about their 17th pick.