JJ Redick Becomes the Center of Criticism: Lakers Fan Questions After Dalton Knecht Was Surprising Left Out by the NBA?

Heading into the 2024 NBA Draft, the noise was loud—and mostly negative. Scouts, media, and fans all labeled it one of the weakest draft classes in recent memory. But basketball is never decided on paper. Fast forward to the end of the season, and the 2025 All-NBA Rookie Team tells a completely different story. This year’s rookies didn’t just prove the doubters wrong—they made a statement.

While names like Stephon Castle, Zaccharie Risacher, and Alex Sarr dominated headlines, one glaring omission stood out: Dalton Knecht, the 24-year-old Lakers sharpshooter, was left off the list—despite putting together a solid and efficient rookie campaign.

Who Made the 2025 NBA All-Rookie Teams?

Let’s look at the official list:

All-Rookie First Team:

• Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)

• Zaccharie Risacher (No. 1 overall pick)

• Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards)

• Zach Edey (Memphis Grizzlies)

• Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)

All-Rookie Second Team:

• Matas Buzelis

• Bub Carrington

• Donovan Clingan

• Yves Missi

• Kel’el Ware

Most of these selections made sense. However, Lakers fans were stunned to see Dalton Knecht missing from both teams. He wasn’t just a solid contributor—he was one of the most consistent rookies all year.

Dalton Knecht’s Stats Don’t Lie

In his rookie campaign, Knecht played 78 games, averaging:

• 9.1 points

• 2.8 rebounds

• 0.8 assists

• 37.6% from three-point range

These are not empty numbers. Knecht shot efficiently, spaced the floor, and gave the Lakers a reliable perimeter threat all season. He was a steady contributor who rarely missed games—a huge plus in a league dealing with constant injuries and load management.

He had multiple standout games, but none more impressive than his performance against the Utah Jazz in November. In that game, Knecht torched the Jazz with a career-high 37 points and 9 made threes, setting a rookie record for the franchise. That alone should’ve placed him firmly in the minds of voters.

And yet, he received just 17 total voting points, missing out on both the first and second All-Rookie teams.

“They Thought They Got the Steal of the Draft… And They Did”

In post-season interviews, Knecht reflected on the snub with maturity. “Teams passed up on me and the Lakers thought they got the steal of the draft,” he said. “And they did.”

Lakers Nation wholeheartedly agrees. Even without the official accolades, Knecht has won the respect of the team and its fanbase. His combination of effort, composure, and professionalism has been evident since Day 1.

So, what went wrong? Why did such a promising rookie miss out?

The Mid-Season Trade That Shook Everything

The turning point came in February when the Lakers agreed to trade Dalton Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets as part of a larger deadline deal. But the trade fell apart after Hornets center Mark Williams failed his physical, voiding the agreement.

The result? Chaos—for both the Lakers and Knecht. The rookie, already adjusting to the NBA grind, had to deal with an abrupt emotional rollercoaster. One minute, he was packing his bags. The next, he was back on the roster.

That failed trade disrupted his rhythm. In the seven games following the trade fiasco, Knecht’s scoring average dropped to 4.3 PPG, and his minutes became sporadic. Confidence wavered. Trust was shaken. And the one thing rookies need most—stability—was gone.

Did JJ Redick Cost Dalton Knecht His Spot?

Another major factor fans point to: JJ Redick’s coaching decisions.

As the Lakers head coach, Redick faced mounting pressure in the second half of the season to solidify playoff positioning. Unfortunately, that led to shorter rotations and reduced opportunities for young players. Knecht’s minutes were among the first to shrink.

Despite proving himself in the first half of the season, he barely saw the floor post-trade. In the NBA Playoffs, Knecht logged just four total minutes—a stunningly low number for a rookie who had made an impact earlier in the year.

Lakers Fans Blame Redick for the Snub

It didn’t take long for Lakers fans to speak up.

On social media, fans quickly pointed fingers at JJ Redick for what they saw as a missed opportunity. One tweet read:

“Snubbed. Would’ve been there 100% if JJ didn’t forget about him.”

Another fan said:

“By the Utah game alone he shoulda made it, one of the most hype games I’ve ever been to.”

It’s clear that the fanbase valued Knecht’s contributions, even if the coaching staff and award voters didn’t.

The Real Reason Behind the All-Rookie Snub

While coaching decisions played a role, Knecht’s omission is likely due to a combination of factors:

• Decreased minutes after the trade drama

• Lack of national media attention

• Quiet, consistent performance instead of highlight plays

• Late-season inconsistency

Unfortunately, awards voters are often influenced by narratives rather than numbers. And Knecht’s narrative—24 years old, second option on the wing, mid-season trade drama—didn’t stack up against flashier rookies with bigger roles.

But make no mistake: he was just as impactful—if not more—than many of the players who did make the list.

A Snub That Could Fuel a Breakout Year

Ironically, this kind of disrespect could be the fire Dalton Knecht needs to take the next leap in his NBA journey.

Many of today’s stars—Jimmy Butler, Khris Middleton, even Jalen Brunson—were overlooked early in their careers. They didn’t get accolades out the gate. But they kept working. Kept improving. And today, they’re among the best at their positions.

Knecht has that same workmanlike mentality. He’s not flashy, but he’s efficient, tough, and relentless. And with a full offseason to train, regroup, and come back with something to prove, don’t be surprised if he explodes in Year 2.

What Comes Next for Dalton Knecht?

The Lakers now have a decision to make. Will they:

• Expand Knecht’s role heading into next season?

• Use him as a key floor spacer in the starting lineup?

• Or include him in future trade talks again?

What’s clear is that he’s earned more than just minutes—he’s earned trust. He showed he can perform under pressure, adapt to the system, and handle adversity.

If the Lakers are smart, they’ll lean into his development. Because Dalton Knecht may not have an All-Rookie badge next to his name—but he has all the tools to be a major rotation piece for years to come.

Conclusion: Just Buckets, No Recognition—For Now

Dalton Knecht’s All-Rookie snub was less about stats and more about circumstances—a midseason trade gone wrong, a shrinking role under playoff pressure, and an inconsistent narrative.

But while other rookies earned headlines, Knecht earned respect. From the fans. From his teammates. And from those who truly watched the games.