Dalton Knecht & 3 more NBA rookies sign with Air Jordan as 2024-25 season commences
The Jordan Brand is expanding its family to start the 2024-25 season by signing several rookies, headlined by Dalton Knecht. The LA Lakers rookie was taken 17th overall during the 2024 Draft and wowed fans across the league when he had his breakout moment in the preseason.
Knecht, who was born on April 19, 2001, is one of the older players in this year's rookie class.
Aside from Dalton Knecht, Jordan is also reportedly signing three other rookies from the 2024 Draft Class. These other first-year players are Stephon Castle, Jared McCain and Ja'Kobe Walter.
Among these four rookies, Castle was taken the highest at fourth overall. The San Antonio Spurs selected Castle to pair with last year's Rookie of the Year Award winner Victor Wembanyama. Castle has a chance to be mentored by Chris Paul this season.
Jared McCain was taken 16th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers, one pick ahead of Knecht. McCain is also a point guard and will most likely come off the bench to relieve Tyrese Maxey when he's on the main roster. McCain has gained some popularity for his posts on TikTok.
Lastly, Walter was taken 19th overall by the Toronto Raptors. Walter could develop into a solid three-and-D wing. If he lives up to these expectations, he can carve a solid role for himself on contending teams in the future.
Dalton Knecht has emerged as the most popular after his preseason performance against the Phoenix Suns. On Oct. 18, Knecht led the Lakers with 35 points on a 10-of-18 shooting clip (8-of-13 from the 3-point line). Aside from his high-scoring performance, he also registered seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
His performance helped the Lakers beat the Suns in overtime by six (128-122).
Also read: Why does Dalton Knecht wear number 4? Reason behind Lakers rookie's jersey explored
How did Dalton Knecht, Stephon Castle, Jared McCain and Ja'Kobe Walter do in their first regular season game?
With the 2024-25 season already underway, fans have already caught a glimpse at some of the members of this year's rookie class.
Dalton Knecht, who wowed people with his breakout performance against the Suns, had a rather quiet game in his official debut. Against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 22, Knecht played nearly 16 minutes where he tallied five points (2-of-4), two assists and one steal. The Lakers won 110-103.
Jared McCain also had a quiet debut. Against the Milwaukee Bucks on Oct. 23, the Sixers rookie registered four points (2-of-3) and two assists in almost four minutes of playing time. The Sixers lost to the Bucks 124-109.
Among these rookies, Stephon Castle had the most productive debut so far. The Spurs rookie had eight points, five assists and three rebounds. He also saw the most minutes, suiting up for 18 minutes of action against the Dallas Mavericks. The Spurs suffered a loss in their season opener, losing by 11 (120-109).
Ja'Kobe Walter, who missed the Raptors' training camp due to a sprained right shoulder, continues to be out of action. Walter will miss his team's season opener along with RJ Barrett, Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown.