Dalton Knecht Returns to Knoxville After Promising NBA Debut with Lakers
After wrapping up his first season in the NBA, Dalton Knecht—former Tennessee basketball standout—is back in familiar territory: the University of Tennessee’s basketball facility. Photos shared by the official Tennessee basketball Twitter/X account show Knecht returning to Knoxville during the NBA offseason to continue honing his skills. Wearing Lakers-branded NBA apparel, Knecht was seen training alongside Riley Collins, Tennessee’s Assistant Director of Player Development.
Knecht’s return to the program that helped catapult him into the national spotlight was met with excitement from fans and media alike. Though his NBA rookie season was marked by ups and downs, his presence back in Knoxville signals his commitment to growth and staying close to the roots that helped launch his professional career.
Navigating His Rookie Season with the Lakers
Knecht’s rookie campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers was eventful. Despite being a notable college star, he dropped further than expected in the NBA Draft, eventually landing with the Lakers. His first year in the league wasn’t without drama—at the trade deadline, the Lakers tried to trade him to the Charlotte Hornets. That deal fell through when Hornets center Mark Williams failed his physical, ultimately keeping Knecht in Los Angeles for the remainder of the season.
Throughout the year, Knecht’s role with the Lakers fluctuated. He played in 78 regular-season games and earned 16 starts, finishing with a solid stat line for a rookie. He averaged 9.1 points per game, shot 46.1% from the field, and connected on 37.6% of his three-point attempts. He also averaged 2.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game.
One of his strongest outings came in the regular season finale. Given a starting role, Knecht scored 27 points, hitting five three-pointers and grabbing eight rebounds while also blocking two shots. Despite his individual highlights, the Lakers’ season ended prematurely. They finished third in the Western Conference but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves.
A Historic Year in Knoxville
Knecht’s journey to the NBA was far from conventional. He started his college career at Northeastern Community College and then transferred to Northern Colorado. It wasn’t until he made his way to Tennessee that his stock truly soared. Entering the 2023–24 season, Knecht was not considered a top NBA prospect. But his performance over the course of that year changed everything.
In just one season with the Volunteers, he became a household name in college basketball. He averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, shooting 45.8% from the floor and 39.7% from beyond the arc. His dominance earned him the SEC Player of the Year title and placed him as a finalist for the prestigious Naismith Trophy. He was also a consensus All-American and won the Julius Erving Award, given annually to the best small forward in college basketball.
Knecht’s contributions were vital to Tennessee’s incredible 2023–24 season. The Volunteers captured the SEC regular-season championship and reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament, marking only the second time in school history they had advanced that far. Along the way, Knecht delivered several unforgettable performances, including a clutch scoring spree late in a critical home victory over Auburn.
Though he only spent one season at Tennessee, Knecht made a massive impact. His blend of scoring, athleticism, and leadership quickly made him one of the most beloved players in program history. Many fans and analysts now place him among the greatest to ever wear the orange and white.
Looking Ahead
Knecht’s return to the Tennessee practice facility this offseason serves multiple purposes. Not only does it allow him to continue developing his skills in a familiar environment, but it also highlights his lasting connection with the program and its staff. Working alongside player development personnel like Riley Collins ensures Knecht continues to refine his game and prepare for what he hopes will be a breakout sophomore campaign in the NBA.
His rookie year showed flashes of potential—especially in moments when he was given extended minutes. With a full offseason to train and a year of experience under his belt, Knecht may be poised to earn a larger role in the Lakers’ rotation going forward. Whether he stays in Los Angeles or ends up on another team, his foundation remains strong thanks to his transformative year at Tennessee.
From junior college standout to SEC Player of the Year and now a promising NBA player, Dalton Knecht’s journey has been anything but typical. His return to Knoxville underscores not just his appreciation for the university but also his relentless drive to improve.
Vols fans will no doubt be watching closely as Knecht continues to build on his early success. His brief but legendary college career and his promising professional start point toward a bright future—and his return to Tennessee only solidifies his legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats.
