Dalton Knecht

BIOGRAPHY

Dalton Douglas Knecht, whose last name rhymes with connect, was born on April 19th, 2001. He is an accomplished American professional basketball player who is part of the distinguished team of the Los Angeles Lakers, an esteemed member of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Born in Fargo, North Dakota, Knecht was raised in Thornton, Colorado by his parents, Corey and Carrie Knecht. He attended Prairie View High School, and even during his early high school days, he showed signs of a promising career in basketball. By his sophomore year, Knecht, who stood at 5 feet 8 inches, had an impressive growth spurt that took him to 6 feet 1 inch in his junior year. His senior year in high school averaged an astounding 21 points with 6.5 rebounds per game, showcasing his athletic prowess and dedication to the sport.

Knecht’s college level basketball journey kick-started at Northeastern Junior College situated in Sterling, Colorado. Here, he grew from being a high school all-star to a collegiate-level performer, growing an additional two inches between his senior high school season and his first season playing at the college level. With an average of 13.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, Knecht made a name for himself as a freshman. His remarkable feats continued into sophomore year, where he averaged an impressive 23.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and two assists per game, adding another three inches to his height.

After finishing his time at Northeastern Junior College, Knecht committed to transfer to Northern Colorado to take his college career further. His first season with the Northern Colorado Bears saw him average a commendable 8.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. His senior year was scintillating as he led the Big Sky Conference by averaging 20.2 points per game and 7.2 rebounds per game. However, due to the unforeseen circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Knecht chose to use the extra year of eligibility for college athletes offered during the 2020-21 season, subsequently entering the NCAA transfer portal.

Knecht took an opportunity to broaden his horizons and transferred to Tennessee for the 2023–24 season. His phenomenal performances awarded him the honor of being named Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Week within the first week of the season. This impressive form carried on to January 15, 2024, when he was again named the SEC Player of the Week, further bolstering his reputation and impressing scouts at the professional level.

Knecht’s award list continued to grow as he was considered the SEC Player of the Year by both the league’s coaches as well as the Associated Press (AP). Additionally, the AP named him the SEC Newcomer of the Year, making him one of the most coveted players come draft season.

The 2024 NBA draft saw the footage of Knecht’s collegiate career pay-off when the Los Angeles Lakers selected him as the 17th overall pick. He inked his contract with them on July 3, 2024. Making his NBA debut on October 22, 2024, Knecht ended the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves with 5 points in a 110-103 victory that marked the beginning of his professional career.

Through his highs and lows, consistent growth, and propensity for constantly striving to outdo himself, Dalton Douglas Knecht has solidified his position as an awe-inspiring basketball player in the NBA. His journey is a testament to his dedication to the sport and his burning ambition to stay at the pinnacle of his game.