You can never have enough shooting, right?
So say the New York Knicks apparently, who’ve added former first-round pick Dalton Knecht to a two-way contract. Shams Charania of ESPN was first with reports.
SNY’s Ian Begley added in his own reporting that New York was “aggressive” in their efforts to sign the sharpshooter once he cleared waivers.
Knecht was selected 17th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft. He appeared in 132 games with the club before being waived prior to the season, averaging 7.1 points per game on 36.8% shooting from downtown.
The 25-year-old wing offers insurance for injury for the Knicks. Don’t read the tea leaves too hard on this one folks. It’s a flier on a once-considered blue-chip talent.
Knecht flew up the draft boards in 2024 behind a strong senior season with Tennessee. He averaged 21.7 points on 39.7% shooting from deep for a Volunteers team that went 27-9 and won four games in NCAA’s March Madness tournament.
To make room for Knecht, New York is waiving former second-round pick Kevin McCullar Jr., who played just 25 games with the team over two seasons.
He’ll always be a champion with the Knicks, and fans won’t forget his next-man up performance in place of an injured Josh Hart last season. McCullar posted 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 23 minutes against the Atlanta Hawks.
Don’t look for Knecht anytime soon, New York fans. But do watch for McCullar to land with another team’s G-League affiliate.
In the meantime, the Knicks will play visitor to old friend Mitchell Robinson and the Boston Celtics on Friday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm EST.
