Nearly a week ago, former Tennessee basketball superstar Dalton Knecht found his new home. After beginning his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, he was waived ahead of the regular season. In response, he signed with the defending NBA champion New York Knicks on a two-way contract.

With the Vols nearing the start of the 2026-27 season, UT head coach Rick Barnes met with the media to preview the season opener against Wofford next Tuesday. However, he was also asked about his thoughts on Knecht joining New York. To Barnes, it was a needed change of scenery for the former All-American.

“I’m excited for Dalton because I think he needed a new start,” Barnes said. “I do, and I know he loves basketball. And I just know that — I really do believe the Knicks want him there. I think they’ll pour into him, and I think a fresh start for him is what he needed. And I think he’ll make the most of it, and Mike Brown and his staff will do a great job. I think he’s obviously got to rebuild his mindset to be the kind of player that he knows he is, but he’s going to have to do his part. I’m sure they’ll do their part.”

Knecht just finished his second season in the NBA, playing in 54 games for the Lakers and starting in one. He averaged 4.2 points per game on 45.5% shooting from the field and 34.2% from three. He also contributed 1.4 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game. With no clear path to extended playtime in Los Angeles this season, the fresh start seemed like the best choice for both parties.

As a rookie, Knecht averaged 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game. He played in 78 contests and averaged 19.2 minutes on the court per game. However, halfway through his rookie season, the Lakers attempted to trade Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets. The trade eventually fell through on the Hornets’ side, sending Knecht back to the Lakers. Things were never the same after that.

Knecht started his college career at the junior college level before emerging as a big-time scorer at Northern Colorado. For his final year of eligibility, Knecht transferred to Tennessee and quickly cemented himself as one of the best players in the nation. He averaged 21.7 points on 45.8% shooting from the field and 39.7% on threes. He also contributed 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

That team broke through to the Elite Eight for just the second time in program history before losing to Purdue. That was the start of a three-year streak of making the Elite Eight for Rick Barnes’ program, though, which is looking to be extended to four this season.