Dalton Knecht Scores 10 in Knicks Debut

With Josh Hart sidelined by right ankle soreness, the Knicks brought Knecht up from their Westchester G League team for Wednesday’s game. He played 16 minutes, making four of six shots and two of four 3-pointers as New York beat Chicago by 30 points.

Knecht made an impression beyond the box score. His second-quarter putback dunk and a third-quarter chase-down block drew loud cheers from the Madison Square Garden crowd.

Coach Mike Brown described Knecht as more than a shooter, joking that some people see him that way because he is white. Brown added that Knecht can score and create opportunities for himself.

The Knicks signed Knecht to a two-way contract in October, following his departure from Los Angeles. The University of Tennessee standout was picked 17th in the 2024 draft. He averaged 9.1 points in 19.2 minutes over 78 games as a rookie, but his role and production fell in his second season.

Knecht struggled to adjust after losing playing time following the Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Doncic, and a proposed trade to Charlotte did not go through. He finished his Lakers tenure averaging 7.1 points and shooting 36.8% from 3-point range. Lakers coach JJ Redick said the team’s roster needs and fit had changed, while also saying Knecht had improved as a player.