湖人弃将道尔顿·克内克特或成火箭双向合同捡漏目标

The Rockets could still use more shooting, even after their infusions of it this offseason. One perfect way to add a potential lights-out shooter is targeting Lakers wing Dalton Knecht, who seems on his way out of Los Angeles. Knecht has failed to establish himself in the Lakers rotation after his first two seasons, but the Rockets can still build him back up on a two-way contract.

Knecht is a great two-way gamble

If the Lakers part ways with Knecht before the season starts, the Rockets should be on the lookout. He's still an excellent pickup for a two-way deal despite his lack of success at the NBA level so far. Regardless of his shortcomings with the Lakers, Knecht still has the appeal of being a good shooter who was drafted 17th overall just 2 years ago.

He's not exactly young anymore at 25 years of age, but could get going with a change of scenery. Keep in mind that the Lakers have consistently had a poor defensive ecosystem for him and ball-dominant playmakers that have limited his playtypes. The Rockets have neither of these problems, if Knecht did find a way on to the main roster.

But in the meantime, Knecht would be a very solid piece splitting his time with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the G League. The Rockets still have one two-way roster spot open and this seems like a perfect way to use it. Houston recently saw one of its own former first-round picks get turned into a two-way reclamation project, and now it could be the Rockets' turn to return the favor for Knecht.

The Rockets need Knecht's signature skill

Even with the return of Fred VanVleet as the starting point guard, the Rockets still generally lack great off-ball shooting. When it comes to younger players with potent outside shots, Houston can only turn to Reed Sheppard right now. Hopefully Sheppard continues to grow his offensive game, but he can't be the entire Rockets future at that skillset.

Knecht would be a nice infusion of shooting talent. In his rookie year, he hit 38% of his threes on 4.4 attempts per game. Those numbers would be solid for most teams, but arguably great for the Rockets. Nobody else is currently doing that off the bench for Houston besides Sheppard.

Last season, Knecht saw his shooting efficiency dip as his minutes became less consistent. He hit just 34% of his threes as his minutes dropped from 19 per game his rookie season to just 10 per game in his sophomore season. With more consistency and the right opportunity, Knecht could refind his beautiful shooting touch from his rookie year and college days.

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