The Los Angeles Lakers drafted and signed first-round pick Dalton Knecht. The former Tennessee basketball superstar fell to No. 17 after franchises got cold feet on draft night because of Knecht's age.
Despite falling in the draft, New Orleans Pelicans star guard CJ McCollum made a bold claim about the Lakers' newest player, saying he will have the biggest year-one impact of all players in the 2024 NBA Draft.
McCollum, who averages 20.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in his 11-year career in the NBA, joined ESPN's First Take to discuss the 2024 draft class and made a bold prediction about Knecht as a contributor for the Lakers.
"I think Dalton is going to have the biggest impact in year one," said McCollum on First Take. "With the addition of JJ Redick to that staff ... who better to mold Dalton than one of the off-ball movement shooters of all time.
"He's aggressive; he's athletic, he's confident, he's going to be able to play off the ball. I like the draft pick; I like that he's mature. I like that he's 23 years old. He's been in college, he's confident, consensus All-American ... love his skill set, love the pick, thought he should've been picked earlier."
.@CJMcCollum says Dalton Knecht will "have the biggest impact in year one" with the Lakers 👀 pic.twitter.com/x382dM0BYW
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 27, 2024
McCollum had a lot to say about Knecht, and that seemed to be the general consensus about Knecht heading into the draft, so it was surprising to see so many teams pass on him and let him fall to the Lakers at No. 17.
McCollum had a similar path to Knecht in his journey to the NBA. McCollum played four seasons at Lehigh University, where he was a two-time Patriot League Player of the Year, three-time All-Patriot League player, and averaged, 21.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over his college career.
Age was an issue for half the NBA, but the Lakers are looking to win now with an aging Anthony Davis and LeBron James still on the roster. Both players are the cornerstone of the Lakers' franchise, but Knecht could be the development piece they need to win the franchise's 18th NBA Championship.
Knecht will now prepare for the NBA Summer League, where he will compete against other rookies and young players looking to earn an NBA roster spot. The Lakers will open Summer League play with the California Classic on July 6 at 4:30 PM ET on ESPN.