Why Coach JJ Redick doesn’t trust Dalton Knecht – The truth might surprise you!

When the Los Angeles Lakers made the bold move to hire JJ Redick as their new head coach, eyebrows were raised across the NBA. Redick, a respected basketball mind and former sharpshooter, had never coached at any level before. Yet, the Lakers saw potential — a visionary thinker, modern tactician, and someone who could connect with players in today’s evolving game.

But as the Lakers begin shaping their roster and developing young talent, an unexpected narrative has emerged: JJ Redick seems hesitant to fully trust rookie sensation Dalton Knecht.

Yes — that Dalton Knecht, the high-scoring wing out of Tennessee, a player once compared to Devin Booker for his offensive polish and competitive fire. So, what gives?

The answer isn’t what you might think. It’s not about ego, attitude, or even talent. Let’s dig deeper into why Coach Redick is keeping Knecht on a tight leash — and why this strategy might actually be part of a master plan.

Who Is Dalton Knecht? The Lakers’ Surprising Gem from the Draft

Before we unpack the tension, let’s talk about who Dalton Knecht is and why Lakers fans are so excited about him.

Selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Knecht isn’t your typical one-and-done prospect. At 23 years old, he took the scenic route to the NBA — from junior college to Northern Colorado, and finally, to Tennessee, where he became an All-American and SEC Player of the Year.

He averaged 21.7 points per game, shot 39.7% from three, and made a name for himself with clutch scoring, physical finishes, and a no-nonsense approach to the game. Many analysts believed he was a lottery-level talent who slid simply because of his age.

But in Summer League workouts and early scrimmages, Knecht has shown flashes of his ability — yet JJ Redick remains cautious.

Redick’s Coaching Philosophy: Trust Is Earned, Not Given

To understand why JJ Redick doesn’t fully trust Knecht yet, you have to first understand JJ Redick the coach, not just the player or podcaster.

Redick is a film junkie. He values attention to detail, defensive discipline, and basketball IQ just as much as raw scoring. He’s also highly influenced by coaches he’s played for — like Stan Van Gundy, Doc Rivers, and Mike Krzyzewski — all of whom demanded accountability on both ends of the floor.

So, while Knecht’s offensive bag is deep, Redick isn’t sold on his defensive consistency, decision-making in complex sets, or ability to adapt to NBA pace and spacing right away.

“Dalton’s got the tools,” Redick reportedly said during a private team session. “But in this league, you don’t just get minutes. You earn them — especially here.”

This comment aligns with what insiders are hearing: Redick sees Knecht as a long-term piece, not a plug-and-play scorer from day one.

The Defensive Dilemma: Where Knecht Needs to Improve

Let’s be blunt: Dalton Knecht is not yet an NBA-level defender. At Tennessee, his focus was offense. He often guarded the opposing team’s second or third option and wasn’t known for lockdown perimeter defense.

While he has the size (6’6″) and strength to be a serviceable wing defender, scouts have raised questions about his lateral quickness, rotations, and defensive instincts at the pro level.

In the Lakers’ system — especially under Redick’s likely switch-heavy, pace-conscious scheme — Knecht’s defensive liabilities are a problem. That’s a big part of why Redick is hesitant to throw him into the fire.

“Redick’s trying to build a defense-first culture,” one Lakers assistant said anonymously. “Dalton will get his chance, but he’s going to have to prove he can be trusted on switches, closeouts, and reading the floor.”

Knecht’s Offense Isn’t in Question — But Is It Enough?

Here’s the twist: Redick LOVES Knecht’s offensive game. That’s not where the trust issue lies.

Knecht is a three-level scorer. He can shoot off movement, create off the dribble, and finish through contact. He’s also not afraid of big moments — a trait that impressed Lakers execs during the draft process.

But scoring alone won’t earn Redick’s full confidence. The new coach wants two-way players, and he’s made that clear from day one. In Redick’s eyes, giving minutes to Knecht early — if it compromises team defense — could set the wrong tone for a Lakers squad trying to balance youth with the win-now urgency of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The LeBron Factor: Why Development Must Be Strategic

Speaking of LeBron, his presence adds another layer to this dilemma.

At 40 years old, LeBron James is still a force, but the Lakers are clearly in the twilight of his championship window. Redick has to manage player development (like Knecht’s) while also making every game count.

Giving too many early minutes to a rookie learning on the fly could cost the team wins — and possibly playoff seeding.

Redick knows this. And so does Rob Pelinka, the Lakers GM who’s publicly supported a balance between veteran leadership and youth development.

That means Knecht will likely earn his role slowly, with minutes tied to specific matchups or lineups where his scoring is needed and his defensive risk is minimal.

Could This Be Motivation? Redick Playing the Long Game

Here’s another perspective: Redick’s trust issues may actually be a motivational tactic.

By being hard on Knecht early, Redick could be trying to set a standard, push him harder in practice, and avoid the trap of overhyping a rookie — especially in the media.

It’s a tactic many former players-turned-coaches use. Redick himself knows how young players can crumble under pressure if expectations aren’t managed. Keeping Knecht hungry might be part of a broader plan to develop his mentality, not just his skills.

Knecht’s Response: Putting in the Work Behind the Scenes

Sources within the Lakers’ camp have said that Dalton Knecht has responded well to the challenge. He’s been one of the hardest workers in early training sessions, often staying late to watch film or do extra shooting drills.

“He’s not discouraged. He wants to prove he belongs,” a Lakers staff member said. “Dalton’s taking Redick’s feedback seriously — and that’s a great sign.”

Knecht has also bonded with some of the Lakers’ vets, including Austin Reaves, who has taken on a bit of a mentoring role. Reaves himself went undrafted and had to earn every minute, so he’s a perfect example for Knecht to emulate.

Fans Are Divided: Start Knecht or Slow Burn?

Among Lakers fans, there’s growing buzz around whether Dalton Knecht should be in the opening night rotation. His performance in preseason and training camp will be closely watched, and it’s possible he could force Redick’s hand with a standout showing.

But many fans also support Redick’s approach.

“We don’t want another THT situation,” one fan tweeted, referencing the overhyped yet underdeveloped Talen Horton-Tucker era. “Let Knecht develop the right way.”

The fanbase seems willing to be patient — as long as the results follow.

What’s Next for Dalton Knecht and JJ Redick?

The truth is, JJ Redick doesn’t distrust Dalton Knecht out of dislike — he’s setting a high bar. And that could end up being the best thing for Knecht’s long-term career.

Expect Knecht to have a limited but impactful role early, with minutes increasing as he earns Redick’s confidence. By the All-Star break, he could be a valuable piece of the rotation, especially if he sharpens his defense and continues to light it up offensively.

This story isn’t about a coach doubting a player — it’s about a coach challenging him to rise.

Final Take: No Handouts, Only Hard Work

Dalton Knecht is talented. That’s not in question. But JJ Redick is making it clear: talent isn’t enough. On a Lakers team trying to contend and develop for the future, only those who commit on both ends will see real minutes.

And that’s not distrust — that’s coaching.

The truth? Redick might trust Knecht more than anyone — he just wants him to earn it the right way.