Lakers' Dalton Knecht, 76ers' McCain, Among NBA Rookies to Sign Jordan Brand Contract

Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht headlined a quartet of NBA rookies to agree to contracts with Jordan Brand.

The 2024 group also includes Philadelphia 76ers point guard Jared McCain, San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle and Toronto Raptors shooting guard Ja'Kobe Walter.

All four players were selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft, with Castle representing the highest-drafted member among the incoming rookies as the No. 4 overall pick.

They'll join a brand that already features superstars such as Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero.

Knecht is coming off a strong preseason debut for Los Angeles, averaging 18.0 points in 26.7 minutes per game while shooting 43.7 percent from the field and 36.0 percent from three. He shined during an Oct. 18 win over the Phoenix Suns, dropping 35 points on 10-18 shooting.

He was on the floor for 16 minutes during the Lakers' season-opening win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, finishing with five points and two assists while hitting two of his four shot attempts.

McCain also looked impressive in the preseason, averaging 12.8 points per game while hitting 37.0 percent of his threes. He was able to crash the glass, pulling down 4.6 rebounds each night.

As for Castle, he wrapped up a promising start to his NBA career despite the Spurs' 120-109 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. The 19-year-old recorded eight points, three rebounds and five assists in just over 18 minutes of action.

Walter hasn't been available to start the season due to a sprained right shoulder, but he averaged 14.5 points per game as a freshman during his 2023-24 campaign with Baylor.

Jordan Brand added four new rookies on Friday, with all showing encouraging signs to begin their respective careers.