Dalton Knecht, the Los Angeles Lakers rookie, has officially signed with Jordan Brand, according to a tweet from sneaker insider Nick DePaula. This partnership marks a significant milestone for the 23-year-old guard as he begins his professional basketball career.
Knecht’s journey to the NBA started at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado. During his freshman season, he averaged 13.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. His impressive performance led to a remarkable sophomore year, where he averaged 23.9 points and 7.5 rebounds, showcasing his growth on the court.
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Knecht continued to develop during his time at Northeastern. He later transferred to Northern Colorado, where he averaged 8.9 points and 3.6 rebounds in his first season. In his senior year, Knecht emerged as a standout player, leading the Big Sky Conference with an average of 20.2 points per game.
After taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility due to the “COVID-19 pandemic,” Knecht transferred to the University of Tennessee for the 2023–24 season. He made an immediate impact, earning SEC Player of the Week honors in his first week for scoring 17 points in a victory over Tennessee Tech and 24 points against Wisconsin.
Knecht’s performance continued to impress throughout the season. He achieved a career-high 37 points against North Carolina and was named SEC Player of the Week a second time after scoring 28 points against Mississippi State and 36 points against Georgia. On senior night, he set a new career high with 40 points against Kentucky.
His accolades did not go unnoticed, as Knecht was named SEC Player of the Year by both the league’s coaches and the Associated Press. He was also awarded SEC Newcomer of the Year by the AP, solidifying his status as a rising star in college basketball.
Knecht was selected by the Lakers with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He signed with the team on July 3, and has made his mark in the early part of the regular season. In his first two games, he averaged 6.5 points, one rebound, and two assists in 14.5 minutes of play, contributing to the Lakers’ victories over the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns.
Signing with Jordan Brand is a testament to Knecht’s potential and marketability as he navigates his rookie season. The partnership will likely enhance his visibility as he continues to establish himself in the league.
