The New York Knicks have not gotten off to the start they were hoping for, as they remain winless. It is part of the process, as for the first time in a long time, they are the hunted rather than the hunters.
Still, New York has already made a move to begin the season. The Knicks signed Dalton Knecht to a two-way deal following his release from the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Former Lakers forward Dalton Knecht has agreed to sign with the New York Knicks on a two-way NBA contract, his agents at Excel Sports Management tell ESPN,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.
Despite Knecht seeing very little playing time last season, several playoff-contending teams were interested in him. New York was particularly interested, aggressively pursuing the former first-round draft pick.
“Knicks were aggressive on Dalton Knecht once he cleared waivers following Lakers release. Club is clearly betting on the 25-year-old’s upside/potential,” Knicks insider Ian Begley wrote.
With the Knicks currently winless, there could be opportunities for Knecht once things settle down. It remains unclear how soon he could see playing time, but head coach Mike Brown has already made the plan for the sharpshooter clear.
“Mike Brown says Knicks want Dalton Knecht to play as much as possible to the plan initially is to have in Westchester playing games with the Knicks’ G League team,” Begley posted.
Throughout his career, Knecht has excelled in the G League. If that continues, he could force his way onto the main roster and eventually get an opportunity to carve out a role.
Brown has made it clear over the last week that, outside of the starters, the bench players are all competing for minutes. This is exactly the kind of opportunity Knecht needs to take advantage of as he begins a fresh chapter with a new team.
