Veteran NBA coach comments on Dalton Knecht: ‘He could be the biggest steal of the year!’

In every NBA Draft class, there’s always a player who slips under the radar—who somehow evades the media spotlight but eventually shines under the pressure of professional basketball. According to a veteran NBA coach, that player this year is none other than Dalton Knecht.

Described as a “pro-ready scorer,” Knecht has been making waves even before stepping onto an NBA hardwood, and now one respected coaching figure has gone on record to say, “He could be the biggest steal of the year!”

With his skillset, maturity, and relentless work ethic, Dalton Knecht might just prove all the teams that passed on him wrong—and faster than anyone anticipated.

Who Is Dalton Knecht?

Dalton Knecht’s rise to NBA prominence is anything but ordinary. From being overlooked in high school to grinding his way through the junior college circuit before becoming a star at Tennessee, his journey is a testament to perseverance, grit, and constant evolution.

Knecht, a 6’6″ wing with deep range and explosive athleticism, emerged as one of college basketball’s most lethal offensive players during the 2023–2024 NCAA season. He averaged 21.7 points per game, showcasing an elite shooting stroke, shot creation off the dribble, and underrated physicality attacking the rim.

Yet, despite those eye-popping numbers and a proven ability to perform against top-tier competition in the SEC, Dalton Knecht wasn’t a Top 10 pick in most NBA mock drafts.

The Coach Who Sees a Star in Knecht

The quote that has electrified NBA circles came from an unnamed veteran NBA coach who recently evaluated Dalton Knecht’s workouts and college tape.

“Look, I’ve been around long enough to know what a pro scorer looks like,” the coach reportedly told a scout. “Dalton has that—it’s in his footwork, his confidence, his shot mechanics. He could be the biggest steal of the year.”

This coach emphasized Knecht’s ability to create separation, something that separates true offensive weapons from role players. “He reminds me of guys who came into the league underrated—like Khris Middleton or Desmond Bane. If he lands in the right system, he’s going to torch people.”

Draft Combine and Scouting Impressions

At the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, Knecht measured in with a strong frame, tested well athletically, and impressed with his polished offensive game in scrimmages. Scouts were particularly enamored by his:

• Fluid jump shot with NBA three-point range

• Quick release and shot versatility

• Excellent footwork off screens

• Smart off-ball movement

What stood out the most was how poised Knecht looked during scrimmages against other top prospects. He wasn’t just trying to prove he belonged—he was clearly one of the best players on the floor.

From JuCo to SEC Stardom: A Remarkable Journey

One reason Dalton Knecht might be overlooked is his untraditional path. He began his college career at Northeastern Junior College in Colorado before transferring to Northern Colorado, where he showcased his scoring ability. Then came the leap to Tennessee, where he thrived under Rick Barnes, proving he could dominate at the Power Five level.

His rise is reminiscent of players like Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, who also came from non-traditional college backgrounds but made the NBA transition seamlessly.

“Dalton’s story is pure basketball. No hype machine. No social media circus. Just hard work and development,” one SEC assistant coach said. “That’s why NBA teams should love him.”

Why Teams May Regret Passing on Knecht

Several teams in the lottery are heavily guard/wing dependent and may have overlooked Knecht in favor of “upside” picks. But veteran evaluators know production and maturity matter, especially in a league where rookies often struggle with the physicality and complexity of NBA systems.

Knecht’s shooting, scoring versatility, and basketball IQ make him an ideal plug-and-play wing. He doesn’t need years of development—he can contribute from day one.

One scout noted: “If you’re looking for a guy who can give you 12-15 points off the bench immediately, and maybe be a starter within a year or two, you take Dalton Knecht.”

Perfect Fit? Teams That Could Benefit

While it’s not yet clear where Dalton Knecht will land in the NBA Draft, a few teams stand out as ideal destinations where his skillset would be maximized:

Miami Heat: Known for developing hard-nosed, underrated players. Knecht’s mentality fits perfectly with the Heat Culture.

Golden State Warriors: With their ball movement and emphasis on shooting, Knecht could thrive off the bench or even fill the Klay Thompson void if he leaves.

Los Angeles Lakers: With aging stars and a need for spacing, Knecht could become a valuable scorer playing off LeBron and AD.

Milwaukee Bucks: A secondary shooter who can contribute right away while learning from Khris Middleton could be a great long-term plan.

The NBA’s Obsession With “Upside” vs. Ready-Made Players

In recent drafts, we’ve seen countless raw prospects get picked ahead of seasoned college stars. But history often proves that NBA-ready players who are mature and skilled end up making the biggest early impact.

Think Malcolm Brogdon, Desmond Bane, Jalen Brunson, and Tyrese Maxey—all players who were overlooked due to age or perceived ceiling but have blossomed in the league.

Knecht fits that mold perfectly: older, experienced, and confident in who he is as a player.

What NBA Analysts Are Saying

NBA analysts are beginning to catch on. ESPN’s Jay Bilas recently said on air, “Dalton Knecht might be the best pure shooter in the draft. He’s got shades of Devin Booker in how he gets to his spots.”

Jonathan Givony from DraftExpress noted: “Knecht’s a guy who rises in interviews. Coaches love him. He’s mature, competitive, and doesn’t back down. That’s going to translate well in a locker room.”

Potential Rookie of the Year Candidate?

If Knecht lands on the right team—particularly one with an opening at the wing position and a good development staff—he could immediately enter the Rookie of the Year conversation.

Scoring ability travels. And Dalton Knecht is already ahead of the curve with an NBA-ready offensive package.

One Western Conference scout summed it up best: “The only question is if the league’s GMs realize how good he is before it’s too late.”

Conclusion: Dalton Knecht Could Shock the League

With a relentless motor, a shooter’s touch, and a mature basketball IQ, Dalton Knecht is primed to be a breakout rookie. Whether he’s picked in the late lottery or mid-first round, don’t be surprised if he outperforms nearly every player selected ahead of him.

The fact that a veteran NBA coach is already labeling him the “biggest steal of the year” speaks volumes about the kind of impact Knecht could make from day one.

Fans and front offices alike should be paying attention—because Dalton Knecht isn’t just another shooter in the draft. He’s a walking bucket, a battle-tested competitor, and possibly the NBA’s next underdog star.