Lakers' JJ Redick makes strong statement about Dalton Knecht a day after the former Tennessee guard surprisingly didn't play
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick received some heat from fans earlier this week for his decision to not play rookie guard Dalton Knecht in LA's 123-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. Knecht, who has seen his minutes dwindle over the last few couple of weeks, was a surprising DNP in […]
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick received some heat from fans earlier this week for his decision to not play rookie guard Dalton Knecht in LA's 123-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
Knecht, who has seen his minutes dwindle over the last few couple of weeks, was a surprising DNP in an important game against the Warriors.
Redick apparently received the message, as Knecht played 20 minutes in the Lakers' 124-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. The former Tennessee Vols standout scored 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the field.
After the game, Redick told reporters that Knecht is a player that can help the Lakers win games in the NBA playoffs.
"We haven't given up on Dalton," said Redick. "We feel like he's a guy who can help us win a game in the playoffs, maybe multiple games, because of his shooting and his ability to score. I thought it was a great way for him to start tonight with an offensive rebound on the crash, just showing how locked in he was to the game. And I think the basketball gods reward that."
Knecht was also praised by teammate Luka Doncic for "staying ready" despite not playing in the previous game.
"He didn't play in one or two games and just to come out (and play well) is very tough, especially for a rookie," said Doncic. "He stayed ready, so big respect for him. And everybody sees that. He's gotta stay ready, we're going to need him."
Knecht may be a rookie, but he's handling himself like a veteran during what's undoubtedly been a challenging rookie season with inconsistent playing time (plus the failed trade that almost sent the former Vol to the Charlotte Hornets).
We don't know how much action Knecht will see in the playoffs for the Lakers, but there's no doubt that he'll be ready if/when his name is called.
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