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Dalton Knecht’s NBA future could be saved by the Thunder

The OKC Thunder could provide Dalton Knecht exactly what the Lakers never could.

By Mark Nilon · Thunderous Intentions

Published: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 at 11:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Mark Nilon argues the Oklahoma City Thunder should target Dalton Knecht after his waiver by the Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers surprisingly waived Knecht following a season where he averaged just 4.2 points.
Nilon notes the Thunder's top-five defense could effectively mask Knecht's well-documented defensive limitations.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer Mark Nilon argues that the Oklahoma City Thunder should consider signing Dalton Knecht after the Los Angeles Lakers waived the former 2024 first-round pick. Knecht struggled recently, averaging 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds on 34.2 percent three-point shooting, but Nilon contends a fresh start could revive his career.

The article highlights Oklahoma City's elite defensive structure as an ideal environment to mask Knecht's defensive limitations, similar to his collegiate tenure at Tennessee. With an open 15th roster spot, Nilon suggests the Thunder could add Knecht as another successful reclamation project under Sam Presti and Mark Daigneault.

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Dalton Knecht’s NBA future could be saved by the Thunder

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