Tennessee Volunteers star Dalton Knecht is on his way to Los Angeles as a draft pick of the Lakers. There, he’ll be working with new head coach J.J. Redick.
Following the NBA Draft, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes met with reporters. There, he broke down how he believes Dalton Knecht is going to be able to learn from J.J. Redick.
“Well, J.J. [has] an incredible work ethic,” Rick Barnes said. “I can remember him coming in and Coach [Bryan] Lentz was with us at the time too, and coach Lentz would be passing him the ball. It wasn’t where it’s supposed to be and he [J.J.] said, you’ve got to throw it here and he was very organized. Knew exactly what he wanted to get done, and I think just his work ethic.”
Dalton Knecht spent one season at Tennessee, transferring into the program from Northern Colorado. He immediately became one of the Volunteers’ best offensive options, averaging 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He shot 45.8 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from three-point range.
Despite that offensive success, Dalton Knecht has plenty to work on as he enters the NBA. Those are things that Rick Barnes thinks J.J. Redick will be able to get out of him at the next level.
“I think he’s gonna love that about Dalton because Dalton is going to be in the gym as much as J.J. was. And I think J.J. will pick up on that really quick,” Barnes said. “And the fact is Dalton has watched tape of him. I think J.J. will talk to him about even getting more scrappy and what he’s going to have to do to become even a better player in all areas of the game.”
Dalton Knecht was selected by the Lakers with the 17th overall pick in the draft. With their other pick, the 55th in the draft, Los Angeles selected Bronny James.
Rick Barnes on Dalton Knecht going to the Lakers
Transitioning to the NBA is never easy for players but so much comes down to fitting on the team that drafts a player. In that respect, Rick Barnes believes Dalton Kencht got very lucky going to Los Angeles.
“All’s said and done, I think it’s a great scenario for Dalton,” Barnes said. “He’s excited about it and has a chance to go to one of the greatest franchises in sports history, play with certainly some of the very best players and one of the best of all-time. He’s excited and we’re excited for him.”
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