Dalton Douglas Knecht born April 19, 2001 is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He previously played college basketball for the Northeastern JC Plainsmen, the Northern Colorado Bears, and the Tennessee Volunteers.
Dalton Knecht Biography 2025
Knecht began his college basketball journey at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado. He experienced another growth spurt between his high school senior season and his freshman year with the Plainsmen, growing an additional two inches. During his freshman season, he averaged 13.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. As a sophomore, Knecht’s performance improved significantly, averaging 23.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. Over his time at Northeastern, he grew an additional three inches, reaching a height of 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m). He later committed to transferring to Northern Colorado to further his college career.
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In his first season with the Northern Colorado Bears, Knecht averaged 8.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. As a senior, he emerged as a standout player, leading the Big Sky Conference with 20.2 points per game while also contributing 7.2 rebounds per game. After his senior season, Knecht took advantage of the extra year of eligibility granted to athletes due to the COVID-19 pandemic and entered the NCAA transfer portal to continue his college career.
Dalton Knecht Biography Details
Born
April 19, 2001 (age 23)
Fargo, North Dakota, U.S.
Listed height
6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Listed weight
215 lb (98 kg)
High school
Prairie View
(Henderson, Colorado)
College
Northeastern JC (2019–2021)
Northern Colorado (2021–2023)
Tennessee (2023–2025)
NBA draft
2025: 1st round, 17th overall pick
Dalton Knecht Early Life
Knecht was born in Fargo, North Dakota, to parents Corey and Carrie Knecht, and was raised in Thornton, Colorado, where he attended Prairie View High School. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) as a sophomore, he experienced a significant growth spurt, reaching 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) by his junior year. As a senior, Knecht averaged 21 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, showcasing his scoring ability and all-around skills.
Dalton Knecht Professional Career Overview
Category
Details
Position
Small Forward
NBA Team
Los Angeles Lakers
NBA Draft
17th overall pick, 2025 NBA Draft
Playing Career
2025–present
Early Life and High School Background
Category
Details
Full Name
Dalton Douglas Knecht
Date of Birth
April 19, 2001
Place of Birth
Fargo, North Dakota, USA
High School
Prairie View High School, Thornton, CO
Height (at Junior Year)
6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m)
High School Stats
21 points, 6.5 rebounds per game (Senior Year)
College Career Overview
College Team
Years Played
Northeastern JC
2019–2021
Northern Colorado
2021–2023
Tennessee
2023–2025
College Performance at Northeastern Junior College
Season
Games Played (GP)
Points per Game (PPG)
Rebounds per Game (RPG)
Assists per Game (APG)
2019–20 (Freshman)
31
13.3
2.9
1.1
2020–21 (Sophomore)
20
23.9
7.5
2.0
Performance at Northern Colorado
Season
Games Played (GP)
Points per Game (PPG)
Rebounds per Game (RPG)
Assists per Game (APG)
2021–22
35
8.9
3.6
0.9
2022–23
32
20.2
7.2
1.8
Performance at Tennessee
Season
Games Played (GP)
Points per Game (PPG)
Rebounds per Game (RPG)
Assists per Game (APG)
2023–24
36
21.7
4.9
1.8
Career Honors and Achievements
Award
Year
Details
SEC Player of the Year
2025
Named by both coaches and AP
SEC Newcomer of the Year
2025
AP awarded for exceptional first season performance
Consensus All-American
2025
First-team honors
Julius Erving Award
2025
Awarded for top small forward
NBA Draft Details
Draft Year
Team Selected By
Overall Pick
2025
Los Angeles Lakers
17th Overall Pick
Professional Career Los Angeles Lakers
Season
Games Played (GP)
Points per Game (PPG)
Minutes per Game (MPG)
2025–present
TBD
TBD
TBD
College Stats Summary
College Career Total
Games Played (GP)
Points per Game (PPG)
Rebounds per Game (RPG)
Assists per Game (APG)
Career
103
16.9
5.2
1.5
College 3-Point and Free Throw Performance
College Career
3P%
FT%
Overall
.383
.768
College Career Northeastern JC to Tennessee
College Stage
Points per Game (PPG)
Rebounds per Game (RPG)
Assists per Game (APG)
Northeastern JC (Freshman)
13.3
2.9
1.1
Northeastern JC (Sophomore)
23.9
7.5
2.0
Northern Colorado (2021–22)
8.9
3.6
0.9
Northern Colorado (2022–23)
20.2
7.2
1.8
Tennessee (2023–24)
21.7
4.9
1.8
Key Career Highlights
Category
Details
Career High Points
40 points (Senior Night, 2025 vs. Kentucky)
Notable Game
39 points (2025 vs. Auburn, SEC Tournament)
NBA Debut 2025
Date
Opponent
Points Scored
October 22, 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves
5
Career Projection Future with the Lakers
Season
Projected Role
Performance Expectation
2025–25
Key rotation player
High potential contributor
Dalton Knecht Net Worth
Dalton Knecht’s net worth stands at an impressive $750,000.
Dalton Knecht Summary
Dalton Knecht impressive journey from high school in Thornton, Colorado to the NBA is marked by his rapid growth and development. His collegiate career saw him dominate at Northeastern JC, earn All-Big Sky honors at Northern Colorado, and achieve SEC Player of the Year accolades in his final season at Tennessee. His selection by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2025 NBA Draft sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting professional career. Knecht’s versatility and scoring ability make him a key prospect to watch in the coming seasons.
