NBA Draft 2024: Los Angeles Lakers GM Reveals That JJ Redick Was Very Strategic About Drafting Dalton Knecht Since Day 1

Dalton Knecht. JJ Redick (Image Source: Getty Images)
In the 2024 NBA Draft, the Lakers picked Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall choice. Rob Pelinka reports that JJ Redick, the next coach of the Lakers, has already designed plays for the youngster.

After the Lakers made their selection, Pelinka told reporters that JJ Redick had already been strategizing to include the youngster with sweet shooting skills into their offensive systems and rotation.

Pelinka said, “I was joking with Coach JJ Redick upstairs that, you know. We found a movement shooter to match his skills as a player, and he already had his whiteboard out drawing up pindowns and ATOs and actions where he could run a movement shooter off screens. So, I think his mind is already working on drawing up plays for Dalton. Just really, really excited.”

With five years of collegiate experience, 23-year-old Dalton Knecht is a seasoned addition to the Lakers, who are currently in the playoff race.

His skill set is a fantastic fit for the group. Knecht is a skilled 3-point shooter and an explosive scorer. However, at six feet five inches, he looks like a bigger version of JJ Redick. He played 15 years as a knockdown shooter and has a 41.5% 3-point shooting percentage.

Rob Pelinka’s Bold Claim on Why the Lakers and JJ Redick Believes Dalton Knecht Is a Top Player

Rob Pelinka said the Lakers thought Dalton Knecht was a top-10 prospect. So, they were shocked he was still available with the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Pelinka said, “We would have never imagined a player as skilled and sort of perfect for our needs would be there for us, as is Dalton Knecht. We had him, you know, as a top 10 player unanimously across our scouting boards,” 

JJ Redick believes that Knecht will help the Lakers make more 3-pointers. The Lakers shot 37.7% from distance last season. Rui Hachimura (42.2%), D’Angelo Russell (41.5%), LeBron James (41%), Taurean Prince (39.6%), and Spencer Dinwiddie (38.9%) were their top 3-point shooters with at least three attempts per game.