Heading into the 2024 NBA Draft, the noise was deafening — and mostly negative. Scouts, analysts, and fans alike dubbed it one of the weakest classes in recent memory. But as always, basketball isn’t played on paper. Fast forward to season’s end, and the All-NBA Rookie Team tells a different story. From national champions to surprise standouts, this year’s rookies turned doubt into fuel — and proved they belonged. So, who’s in the 2025 All-NBA Rookie team?
Well, San Antonio’s Stephon Castle was the Rookie of the Year last month, so of course, he led the charge. This honor comes after the guard’s successful season despite the Spurs not making it into the postseason. Apart from Castle, this season’s No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher also made it to the All-NBA Rookie first team. Washington’s Alex Sarr and Memphis’ duo of Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells were the other rookies completing the first team. Meanwhile, the second team consisted of Matas Buzelis, Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Yves Missi, and Kel’el Ware.
Notice something strange? While most of the names on this year’s All-Rookie teams feel justified, one glaring omission has Lakers fans shaking their heads—Dalton Knecht. The 24-year-old rookie may not have made the cut, but he turned in a quietly solid debut season in Los Angeles. Appearing in 78 games, Knecht averaged 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists, all while shooting an impressive 37.6% from deep. Sure, there were some rookie growing pains, but his consistency and ability to space the floor stood out.
“Teams passed up on me and the Lakers thought they got the steal of the draft,” he said. “And they did.” Lakers Nation has every reason to agree—he may not have the hardware yet, but he’s already earned their respect.
2024-2025 NBA All-Rookie teams:
First team: Stephon Castle, Zaccharie Risacher, Jaylen Wells, Zach Edey, Alex Sarr
Second team: Matas Buzelis, Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Kel’el Ware, Yves Missi
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 20, 2025
So, what went wrong for the LA star? Dalton Knecht’s All-Rookie Team snub wasn’t just about numbers—it was about timing, trust, and turbulence. The rookie’s mid-season trade to the Charlotte Hornets, which was ultimately rescinded after Mark Williams failed his physical, created both emotional and professional whiplash. For a young player still trying to find his footing, the ordeal was destabilizing.
After the trade fell apart, Knecht’s rhythm took a noticeable hit. Over the next seven games, he averaged just 4.3 points per contest—down from his season average of 9.1—and his minutes became increasingly sporadic. Coach JJ Redick, facing playoff pressure, leaned less on the rookie. The most telling stat? Just four total playoff minutes.
All of it—the disrupted momentum, the shrinking role, the late-season inconsistency—likely played a role in voters overlooking him for All-Rookie honors. Fans believe this is a significant reason why he received just 17 voting points and did not make it to one of the two teams. One fan took to social media to express his feelings. “Snubbed, would’ve been there 100% if JJ didn’t forget about him.” Indeed, Knecht would’ve made either team only if he had gotten more of a chance toward the later stages of the season.
This wasn’t the only reaction; the Lakers Nation was quick to call out JJ Redick for this missed opportunity.
Lakers fans blame JJ Redick for Dalton Knecht’s All-Rookie snub
Well, whenever an All-Rookie or All-NBA list comes out, there’s a lot of debate. More often than not, it’s not justified. However, Dalton Knecht’s case seems a rarity. One fan claimed that by just watching the 24-year-old guard’s performance against Utah, he should’ve been named to the All-Rookie team. “By the Utah game alone he shoulda made it, one of the most hype games I’ve ever been to.” He commented. Back in November, Knecht went off against the Jazz, as he finished the game with a rookie record 9 three pointers made along with a career-high 37 points.
DALTON KNECHT DID NOT MAKE AN ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
Snubbed or justified? pic.twitter.com/CLHvrGvAGd
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) May 20, 2025
Meanwhile, another fan blamed JJ Redick’s lack of trust in Knecht as the reason for the snub. “Could have had more chances to prove himself. But he was locked in JJail.” He wrote, taking a subtle jab at the Lakers’ head coach.
Indeed, after returning to Southern California, following a failed attempt to land Mark Williams, Redick did not turn to the rookie as much as in the first half of the season. At the same time, a fan took things up a notch. “@Lakers snubbed him!! Should have played more…” He stated. Not just Redick, instead, he blamed the entire team for Dalton Knecht missing out on All-Rookie honors, which is devastating for the young player.
As the reactions poured in from all over the world, a fan pulled up a surprising theory. “LeBron couldn’t allow him to outshine Bronny. That’s why we didn’t see much of him. JJ is taking orders from Bron. That’s why JJ got the coaching job.” A fan suggested.
Well, that certainly isn’t the case. While JJ Redick did not play Knecht a lot, the LA head coach must have had a solid reason to do so. Moreover, Mark Williams’ failed transfer to LA might’ve had a role to play in Redick’s decision. Nonetheless, it’s sad to see Dalton Knecht miss out on the honors he deserves after a solid rookie campaign.
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