ESPN points out the unintended benefit that Tennessee Vols guard Dalton Knecht gained by getting traded to the Charlotte Hornets
Former Tennessee Vols guard Dalton Knecht was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers late Wednesday night. Knecht, a first round selection by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, became expendable in Los Angeles after the franchise acquired superstar Luka Doncic last weekend. While it's unfortunate for Knecht to go from the glitz and glamour of […]
Former Tennessee Vols guard Dalton Knecht was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers late Wednesday night.
Knecht, a first round selection by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, became expendable in Los Angeles after the franchise acquired superstar Luka Doncic last weekend.
While it's unfortunate for Knecht to go from the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles to Charlotte (no offense Charlotte…I've spent plenty of time at Hornets games over the years), the move will provide a huge opportunity for the former Tennessee standout.
ESPN's Kevin Pelton, who gave the Hornets a "B" for the trade, pointed out on Thursday that Knecht will now have a legitimate opportunity to compete for the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
"Joining the Hornets gives Knecht a chance to push for Rookie of the Year," noted Pelton. "He's sixth among first-year players in points per game (9.4) while playing fewer minutes than everyone ahead of him on that list. The combination of more playing time and a higher usage in Charlotte could allow Knecht to catch the healthy leader in that category, Stephon Castle (12.2 PPG), who figures to play and score less with the San Antonio Spurs adding De'Aaron Fox."
Knecht should be in line to see significantly more playing time with the Hornets — especially since guard Brandon Miller is out for the rest of the season due to a wrist injury. And LaMelo Ball seemingly spends as much time inside the Spectrum Center in street clothes as he does in a Hornets uniform.
Earlier this season, Knecht scored 37 points in a game against the Utah Jazz. Late last month, he scored 26 points in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Knecht can score at will when he gets an opportunity. And he should have plenty of opportunities in Charlotte.
