Dalton Knecht calls Knicks his ‘best opportunity’

Dalton Knecht had other options after the Lakers waived him. He picked the Knicks, even with no shortage of guards already ahead of him.

“It just felt like the best opportunity,” Knecht said, via SNY. “I talked to the coaching staff, known them for awhile, so it was good. Thought this would be a great fit, and I’m excited to be here.”

That opportunity will likely begin in Westchester. Not exactly Madison Square Garden, but for Knecht, getting on the floor is probably more useful than getting a good seat.

Coach Mike Brown indicated that regular playing time is the priority for the 25-year-old, who joined New York on a two-way contract.

“Obviously, right now he’s a two-way. We want him to play as much as he can. He’ll play for Westchester,” Brown said, per James L. Edwards III.

Knecht’s minutes dropped considerably during his second season with the Lakers, when he averaged 4.2 points in 10.2 minutes over 54 appearances. For a player drafted largely for his scoring, there wasn’t much chance to find a rhythm.

The Knicks aren’t promising him a rotation spot. They are offering a coaching staff he’s comfortable with and a chance to play.

Knecht called it his best opportunity. Now he gets to see what he can make of it, even if the first stop is a little north of where he ultimately wants to be.