The Philadelphia 76ers managed to come out with two victories in just as many games to begin the season, but it is crystal clear that shooting remains a problem for this ball club. So far, they have been pretty abysmal from beyond the arc, and the newly waived Dalton Knecht would have made sense for them as a possible midseason addition. Well, thanks to the Knicks signing him to a two-way deal, that is now a moot proposition.
As first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, Knecht and the Knicks have agreed on a two-way contract to bring the former Lakers sharpshooter into the Big Apple. Well, that is a true and blue bargain for New York, which now has the access to a cheap shooting upgrade while the 76ers are left looking for answers in that regard.
The Knicks just prevented the 76ers from going after Dalton Knecht
There is a good reason why the Lakers decided to part ways with Knecht before the regular season began, so it is not like the 76ers should be weeping that they missed out on an opportunity to get him to sign a contract with the team. However, given their current financial outlook against their persistent shooting woes, it seemed logical for them to seriously consider mounting a bid for Knecht.
Knecht was a lethal shooter whose confidence was shattered when the Lakers bafflingly tried to trade him amid a strong rookie campaign, only for them to botch that supposed deal. Since then, the franchise basically tossed him aside as his role got drastically reduced, especially in his sophomore campaign last season.
A change of scenery could have greatly benefited Knecht, who was clearly succumbing to the insurmountable pressure associated with playing for the Lakers. While the 76ers are not that much different in that regard, the team at least has a more ideal roster construction that is more conducive to his skill set as a movement shooter.
Instead, the 76ers –– currently not having a direct way to sign Knecht without freeing up space –– cannot help but watch him slip to the Knicks, arguably the biggest threat to their quest for supremacy in the East. Heck, one could argue that New York does not even need Knecht, which makes this omission sting a bit more for Philly.
For now, the 76ers will have to keep searching for solutions to their highly noticeable issues when it comes to three-point shooting. Dalton Knecht would have been a savvy choice, but that is no longer a viable option for the front office.
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