The Knicks just wrapped up a week in Las Vegas at the NBA Summer League. The club brought in three draft picks from 2024 (Kevin McCullar Jr. did not join the team due to injury rehab) as well as a draft-and-stash prospect from 2021. New York went 3-2, and a few players shined.
As the dust has settled and the Knicks depart Las Vegas, let’s take a look at three takeaways from Summer League action…
1. Point guard play was top notch
Out of the four draft picks the Knicks acquired on draft night, Tyler Kolek is probably the most ready to play on an NBA roster. In these games, Kolek (averaging 7.0 assists) showcased elite precision as a passer. The point guard also had a few clutch moments as a scorer.
The next step for Kolek will be adding a midrange game and also improving his defense at the point of attack. Joining the Knicks is perfect for, him as he will be around all-star Jalen Brunson, who has made a career out of floaters, midrange pull-ups and trick shots.
Also of note was former second round draft pick Rokas Jokubaitis, who has played overseas since he was drafted in 2021. Jokubaitis was crafty in his minutes and found multiple ways to score. The Lithuanian guard shot 57.1 percent from the field and 50 percent from the three-point line. He was also effective as a distributor in the pick and roll.
It is unlikely Jokubaitis vies for a spot on the Knicks’ roster this season with a crowded guard rotation. But his quality play in the Summer League could lead to a spot on the roster down the road — or maybe a team looks to trade for the rights to sign him.
2. Pacome Dadiet is in a developmental phase
The 18-year old Dadiet is a project. That showed in the Summer League as the French wing averaged 6.8 points and shot just 30.8 percent from the field — including 10.5 percent from behind the three-point line.
While his shooting motion looks good and he has a fluid handle, Dadiet struggled to deal with finishing around defenders in the paint. He also did not look comfortable shooting from the perimeter with defensive pressure around him.
On the bright side, Dadiet seemed effective moving off the ball. His defense was generally good. Dadiet moved his feet well, and he was active. He was also a much better rebounder than advertised. But the Knicks had to have known Dadiet needs some time to develop. With a deep wing rotation, expect Dadiet to spend some time in White Plains with the Westchester Knicks.
3. Centers provide alternatives for the roster
The last piece of business for the Knicks this offseason is finding a backup center. Though New York is on the hunt for a veteran backup, the five was a position of strength for New York during the Summer League.
Second-round pick Ariel Hukporti was solid as a starter. Hukporti’s role was simple. Rebound the basketball, set screens, and roll to the rim as a finisher around the basket. Hukporti seemed to have good chemistry with fellow rookie Kolek. On a two-way contract, he still needs some seasoning, and will likely spend time in the G-League.
Hukporti’s backup, 26-year old Dmytro Skapintsev, was even more impressive. Listed at 7-1 and 260 pounds, Skapintsev provided a deterrent at the rim. He was also difficult for the opposition to keep off the offensive glass, averaging nearly five offensive rebounds per 36 minutes in five Summer League games.
Additionally, Skapintsev flashed an ability to knock down mid range jumpers — a skill no other Knicks centers have showcased. Having spent parts of two seasons in the G-League, Skapintsev could be an option to look at for the Knicks.
SNY
