'No rookie doing what he doing' - Kevin Garnett voices support behind Dalton Knecht to be the 2025 ROY

Originally posted on Basketball Network
By Yakshpat Bhargava | Last updated Nov 24, 2024 4:27 AM ET

The LA Lakers were surrounded by significant uncertainty heading into the 2024-25 season, largely due to their inability to make notable additions in the summer. However, the emergence of Dalton Knecht has been a revelation for the team. In his rookie campaign, the 6'6" small forward has been fearless in stepping up in clutch situations to win games for his team and help them secure a top 4 berth in the Western Conference. Moreover, his performance and mentality have impressed Kevin Garnett so effectively that the 2008 NBA Champ prompted his support behind "DK" to win the 2025 ROY award.

KG picks Knecht as his 2025 ROY favorite

Despite Anthony Davis playing at an MVP level, and LeBron James logging the 18th-best scoring and third-best assists tally in the league, the LA Lakers have dealt with numerous challenges. Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt have yet to make their 2024-25 season debut, while Rui Hachimura has struggled with ankle issues.

Additionally, D'Angelo Russell's scoring average has dropped from 18 points last season to 11.5 this year. Gabe Vincent has averaged 2.7 points off the bench while shooting 28.1 percent from the field. Furthermore, Austin Reaves may have improved his scoring average but his efficiency from the field has dropped from 48.6 percent to 43.8 percent.

In this context, "DK" has been a huge revelation for coach JJ Redick. The 23-year-old is averaging 11.7 points on 46.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc, consistently making big plays to help the Lakers grab the momentum in clutch time. Acknowledging the impact Knecht has had on his team so far, "The Big Ticket" unhesitantly named him his favorite for the 2025 ROY award.

"The boy Knecht is cracking. I know I'm jumping the line, Rookie of the Year. No rookie doing what he doin'. He the third option (for the Lakers) in front of Austin Reaves and all that sh*t," Garnett said. "When he get to that Crypto wifi, no rookie doin' what he doin'. He like a white country boy."

Knecht has tough competition for the 2025 ROY award

While Knecht's ability to thrive for a storied franchise that is always under the media spotlight has naturally drawn attention, Garnett may be overlooking another standout rookie - Jared McCain of the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 6'2" point guard has emerged as a beacon of hope for the Philadelphia 76ers, highlighted by his record-breaking 30-point performance against the Brooklyn Nets, where he became the first player in NBA history to hit 24 three-pointers in his first five career starts. Seems like with McCain currently averaging 16.5 points per game, his case for the ROY award could grow stronger if the Sixers begin climbing the standings.

That being said, while Knecht making his presence felt alongside AD and LeBron will always seem more impressive, the biggest threat to his first individual silverware definitely seems to be McCain.

This article first appeared on Basketball Network and was syndicated with permission.

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