Knicks’ Mike Brown on Dalton Knecht: ‘People think he’s a shooter because he’s white’

Mike Brown sees more than a spot-up shooter in Dalton Knecht. His explanation went a little further than the usual postgame scouting report.

“He’s a scorer. He’s not just a shooter. A lot of people think he’s a shooter because he’s white,” Brown told reporters after Knecht’s Knicks debut, via Hunter Cookston of Sporting News. “I said it for you. I hope I don’t get in trouble.”

Well, that’s one way to make sure the assessment gets noticed.

Knecht gave Brown something to discuss Wednesday, finishing with 10 points and seven rebounds off the bench in the Knicks’ 30-point win over the Bulls.

For a player waived before the season, it was an encouraging introduction to his new team.

The Lakers selected Knecht with the No. 17 pick in 2024 but moved on after his role dwindled. He cleared waivers and signed a two-way contract with the Knicks, giving him another opportunity to establish himself.

Brown’s comments suggest he’s willing to look beyond Knecht’s perimeter shooting when evaluating what he can contribute. That’s useful for a player trying to show he has enough offensive versatility to earn minutes.

Of course, scoring is only part of that equation. Knecht will have to hold up defensively, and one productive appearance against a struggling Bulls team doesn’t settle his place in the rotation.

But he produced when called upon, helped on the glass and left his coach talking about what he can do.

That’s a pretty good first night for someone who needed a fresh start.

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