Dalton Knecht Outshines Cooper Flagg in Combined Points: Surprise from Lakers Rookie

The Los Angeles Lakers struck gold with the No. 17 pick in the NBA Draft, selecting Dalton Knecht, a sharpshooting wing from the University of Tennessee. Projected by many to be a top-10 pick, Knecht surprisingly slipped down the board—and the Lakers wisely pounced. But while most fans expected a prototypical shooter, few realized just how complete Knecht’s athletic profile truly is.

A deeper dive into his NBA Draft Combine performance reveals that Knecht may be one of the most underrated athletes in his draft class—outperforming even this year’s likely No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg, in multiple key metrics.

Dalton Knecht’s Surprising Draft-Day Slide

Heading into the 2024 NBA Draft, Knecht was touted as one of the most polished scorers available. During his final collegiate season at Tennessee, Knecht averaged 21.7 points per game while shooting 39.7% from three-point range. He also showcased a diverse offensive skill set, from spot-up shooting to midrange pull-ups, and was frequently the focal point of the Volunteers’ offense.

Analysts expected him to go in the top 10, with many comparing him to NBA veterans like Klay Thompson and Kevin Huerter—players who combine size, shooting, and poise. So when he was still on the board at No. 17, the Lakers didn’t hesitate.

“The Lakers didn’t try to get cute or overthink it,” one NBA executive said. “They saw a proven scorer who can contribute right away—and they were right.”

But early in the season, Knecht struggled to crack JJ Redick’s rotation, largely due to defensive concerns. Though his offensive tools were evident, questions loomed about whether he could stay in front of quicker wings or switch effectively in the pick-and-roll.

That narrative, however, might soon change—thanks to the underrated athleticism Knecht flashed at the 2024 Draft Combine.

Breaking Down Knecht’s Draft Combine Numbers

Contrary to the perception of Knecht as a one-dimensional shooter, his NBA Draft Combine results painted a very different picture. In fact, Dalton Knecht outperformed Cooper Flagg—this year’s presumptive No. 1 overall pick—in several key athletic drills.

Let’s break it down:

• Vertical Leap:

  • Knecht: 39 inches

  • Flagg: 35.5 inches

• Lane Agility Time:

  • Knecht: 10.56 seconds (2nd overall)

  • Flagg: 10.64 seconds (8th overall)

• Shuttle Run:

  • Knecht: 2.79 seconds (1st overall)

  • Flagg: 2.92 seconds (18th overall)

These numbers show that Knecht isn’t just a shooter—he’s explosive, agile, and quick laterally, traits that are essential for perimeter defenders in the modern NBA. His shuttle run time, in particular, reflects elite side-to-side quickness, while his vertical leap suggests he can contest shots and finish above the rim.

Why This Matters for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers, long known for balancing veteran stars with promising young talent, may have gotten more than they bargained for in Dalton Knecht. While the original expectation was that he’d serve as a floor spacer, these combine metrics suggest he could become a two-way contributor with the right development.

One of the biggest knocks on Knecht during his rookie campaign was his defensive reliability. Head coach JJ Redick, himself a former sharpshooter, likely saw a version of his younger self in Knecht—offensively gifted but needing polish on defense. That’s why Knecht was often left out of the rotation, especially in high-leverage moments.

However, now that his raw athletic potential is well-documented, the Lakers coaching staff has a clearer blueprint:

• Emphasize on-ball defensive drills in practice

• Incorporate Knecht into switch-heavy defensive schemes

• Use his agility to disrupt passing lanes and close out on shooters

“The combine results tell us that defense isn’t a matter of can’t—it’s a matter of development and coaching,” said Lakers assistant Phil Handy. “He has all the tools. Now, it’s about putting them together.”

Comparing Knecht to Cooper Flagg

While Cooper Flagg is the projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft and praised for his two-way versatility, his combine performance suggests he’s not a freak athlete by NBA standards. That’s not to say Flagg isn’t a terrific prospect—he has elite instincts, size, and skill—but in pure athletic terms, Knecht stacks up favorably.

Flagg’s 35.5-inch vertical and average shuttle/lane agility scores indicate that his game is built more on anticipation and skill than physical dominance. In contrast, Knecht’s superior explosiveness and lateral speed make him a sneaky candidate to become a lockdown wing defender, especially if paired with the right mentors and minutes.

This comparison is eye-opening, especially considering that Flagg is viewed as a future franchise cornerstone, while Knecht is fighting for a rotation spot. The metrics suggest the gap isn’t as wide as the public perceives—at least from an athletic standpoint.

Room for Growth: Defense is the Key

If Dalton Knecht wants to become a regular contributor on a playoff-caliber team like the Lakers, defense will be his ticket. The tools are clearly there. Now, it’s about turning potential into production.

To do so, Knecht must:

• Improve his positioning in pick-and-roll coverage

• Learn to anticipate ball movement and rotate faster

• Stay disciplined on closeouts and off-ball screens

• Continue developing strength and conditioning to fight through physical matchups

While he may never become a lockdown defender like Jrue Holiday or OG Anunoby, he doesn’t need to be. If Knecht can simply become a neutral or slightly above-average defender, his offensive talents will more than justify major minutes.

Offensive Ceiling: A Natural Born Scorer

Let’s not forget what makes Dalton Knecht truly special—his natural scoring ability. With a smooth release, deep range, and the confidence to create off the dribble, he projects as a high-efficiency scorer who can thrive in the Lakers’ spacing-heavy offense.

Key offensive strengths:

• Spot-up shooting from NBA range

• Off-ball movement and understanding of floor spacing

• Pull-up jumpers from the elbow and beyond

• Quick decision-making in transition and half-court sets

He’s also shown flashes as a secondary playmaker, able to attack closeouts and kick to the open man. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis drawing constant double teams, there will always be opportunities for a player like Knecht to feast on open looks.

The Path Forward: Summer League and Beyond

With Summer League on the horizon, Knecht will have the chance to reintroduce himself to Lakers fans and the coaching staff. Expect him to:

• Lead the team in scoring

• Take on defensive challenges against top rookies

• Showcase the all-around game that impressed at the draft combine

If he shines, the Lakers may consider him a core piece off the bench heading into the 2025–26 season. With free agency looming and roster spots in flux, this could be his moment to secure a long-term role in L.A.

“Knecht has always been underestimated,” said a scout familiar with his game. “But he’s going to surprise a lot of people when he gets the minutes. He’s not just a shooter—he’s a baller.”

Conclusion: Dalton Knecht is Ready for His Next Leap

The story of Dalton Knecht is far from over—but already, it’s full of surprises. Once viewed solely as a 3-point specialist, he has emerged as a well-rounded athlete with the tools to become a reliable two-way contributor for the Los Angeles Lakers.

By outperforming Cooper Flagg in several combine metrics, Knecht has proven that he belongs in conversations beyond just shooting percentages. He has the explosiveness, agility, and work ethic to make an impact—and the Lakers may have found a late-round gem with star upside.

As he gears up for Summer League, one thing is clear: Dalton Knecht is not just fighting for minutes—he’s fighting for recognition. And if his combine numbers are any indication, his breakout moment may be just around the corner.