“Cannon!!!!!!! That boy COLD!!!“, wrote LeBron James on his Instagram story after Dalton Knecht’s performance on Thursday. Knecht has proven in the preseason why he was a lottery pick. The Los Angeles Lakers were not confident if he would be available by the time their chance came to pick a rookie in the draft, but they snagged him as the 17th overall pick in the draft.

Being touted since his college days, Knecht has lived up to the hype for now. Following Kevin Durant’s path to Tennessee, he has combed through their highlights and incorporated their elements into his game. Making full use of the extra year eligibility due to the pandemic, Knecht seems ready for the NBA.

The rookie must be gaining many fans right now. But who is the lucky girl who has his heart? Well, no one; there isn’t much information available on the internet about him going out with someone, Dalton seems to be completely focusing on making his name in the NBA.

Knecht was born on April 19, 2001, in Fargo, North Dakota to Corey and Carrie Knecht. He was a single child and spent most of his time shooting hoops in his home. Though he does have a brother, their family’s adorable Rhodesian Ridgeback Nico. Dalton Knecht comes from a basketball-loving family, and it’s clear that his parents played a significant role in shaping his passion for the game.

Who are Dalton Knecht’s parents?

Dalton’s mother, Carrie Knecht, was a high school standout, and while her college career may not be widely documented, the skills she developed undoubtedly influenced Dalton’s journey. With her unwavering support, she has helped him rise to prominence, earning accolades and becoming a key player for Tennessee’s men’s basketball team—a title many see as the missing piece to their success.

His father, Corey Knecht, also made his mark on the court as a talented point guard at Mayville State University in North Dakota. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Corey not only passed on his height but also his deep understanding of the game. Dalton fondly remembers watching basketball games with his dad from a young age, soaking in the nuances of the sport while they cheered for their favorite teams.

This shared love for basketball laid the foundation for Dalton’s career and continues to inspire him as he chases his dreams. “I felt that confidence arise from the moment I touched a basketball,” Dalton Knecht said while speaking to SLAM251, adding, “My parents have always made me super confident, always told me, trust your hard work. I always felt like that. So no matter what, when I step on that court, I’m gonna be the most confident player on that court.”

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Dalton honed his skills through regular, spirited one-on-one matchups with his father, Corey, which proved instrumental in his development as a player. They’d practice extra hard on weekends at a local indoor stadium from 10 am to 1:30 pm. Corey’s thoughtful critiques after each game, along with his communication with Dalton’s junior college coaches, greatly contributed to shaping Dalton’s approach and his overall improvement.