Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers made the rather surprising decision to waive former first-round pick Dalton Knecth. The OKC Thunder should be highly interested in snatching him up.
Yes, it's undeniable that Knecht has underwhelmed since entering the league 17 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, especially this past season, where he posted mere averages of 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds on 34.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
However, his time in LA was marred by two key debilitating factors: a lack of the proper defensive support surrounding him to make up for his personal flaws on this end and, arguably most impactful, an absence of feeling wanted after being a part of the failed trade for veteran center Mark Williams just months into his rookie year.
A fresh start with the Thunder could certainly provide him with both of these necessary qualities and then some.
Thunder could provide Dalton Knecht exactly what Lakers never did
Even while lighting up the stat sheet and earning First-Team All-SEC honors with the Tennessee Volunteers, Knecht was still a horrid contributor on defense, largely because of his lack of lateral quickness.
Fortunately for him, his weaknesses were largely masked by the rest of his team's elite efforts on this side of the ball, as they ranked third in the nation in points allowed per 100 possessions and held opponents to just 38.9 percent shooting from the floor.
Now, in the NBA, which team would be better suited to replicate this masterful on-court disguise: Los Angeles, which just wrapped up last season as the 11-worst defensive unit, or the Thunder, who haven't finished outside the top five in defensive rating since 2022-23?
On top of this, a team like the Thunder signing Knecht could instantly give him the confidence boost he's severely lacking right now. After all, there likely aren't many better feelings for a young talent than knowing a club often pegged as the game's next great dynasty is interested in their services.
Frankly, any intrigue from the Thunder in pursuing Knecht wouldn't be all that shocking.
After all, he wrapped up his rookie year with solid per-game averages of 9.1 points and 2.8 boards on 37.6 percent shooting from deep and, before the previously mentioned Mark Williams trade debacle, played with some serious confidence during his debut campaign in the pros, seeing multiple 20-point games and a career-high 37 points in just his first few months of action.
Clearly, he's shown flashes of promise already in his NBA career. In the right environment, with the right supporting cast, it's by no means far-fetched to believe the 6-foot-6 combo forward can still turn into a quality three-level offensive contributor in the association.
Throughout the Sam Presti, Mark Daigneault era, the Thunder have taken part in a number of reclamation projects. From fading veterans like Al Horford to down-on-their-luck youngsters like Jared McCain, OKC has several success stories in this department.
With their 15 and final roster spot still up for the taking, perhaps they should consider using it to try and make the newly available Dalton Knecht their next.
Add us as a preferred source on Google