Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Reddick paid tribute to Dalton Knecht for his professionalism.
Final month was a whirlwind for Dalton Knecht. The primary spherical draft decide was traded for the Charlotte Hornets earlier than being despatched again after a medical failure by Mark Williams.
Knecht is again at LA Lakers, however the brand new new look appears to be like outward quite than enjoying a serious position.
After the Lakers beat the Timberwolves, each former Robert Holly and James Worthy have been dissatisfied that Knecht had not been given any additional runs and referred to as for supervisor JJ Reddick to make kneCht extra concerned.
Within the first of the 2 earlier video games of the Clippers, Reddick did not hear precisely.
In a video distributed by the workforce’s Instagram channel following the LA Lakers’ 106-102 victory with the LA Clippers, JJ Redick informed Dalton Knecht he was prepared to take a seat on the bench.
These plans have been compelled to vary when Austin Reeves was kicked out of the sport with an harm and solely performed 9 minutes.
With Louis Hachimura already not injured, Redick needed to alter on the spot.
Redick paid tribute to Knecht and spoke within the locker room after the sport, calling for his professionalism.
The coach mentioned: “What I am going to inform you: I informed Dalton earlier than the sport that he most likely wasn’t going to hitch the rotation tonight, however he was prepared.
“It is a skilled basketball participant. You have been large, Dalton. Large.”
Dalton Knecht performed 18 minutes within the Lakers’ victory, recording his fifth victory. This was one of the best couple of minutes the rookie had since he was traded.
He scored eight factors 2-3 from the 3-point vary, contributing one rebound and one help in the course of the victory.
This was an actual workforce efficiency and it was mentioned that Knecht was prepared to not play, however he continued to organize and impressed his coach.
After a failed deal, Knecht revealed that he prefers the Lakers and simply desires to play basketball.
He hopes this can be a turning level and that JJ Redick was impressed, and praises him in entrance of the opposite locker rooms and training workers. He positive aspects confidence.
Nevertheless, only a month after he was traded, it was not an ideal signal of Knecht’s long-term future that he was informed to take a seat down.