Knicks summer league: Three things to watch for in Las Vegas
Lithuania's Rokas Jokubaitis, left, shoots over Italy's Achille Polonara, during a FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament game in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on July 6. Credit: AP/Alejandro Granadillo
The Knicks have built a deep and talented roster, a group that will battle for minutes and maybe battle for a title. But this week the battle will be for roster spots and maybe a glimpse of the future.
In other years the Knicks entry in the Las Vegas Summer League might have been filled with wishful thinking that a glimpse of a lottery pick might provide. It could have been Kristaps Porzingis in 2015 showing the potential that came with the No. 4 overall pick. Or perhaps Kevin Knox providing the NBA with an early glimpse of Zion Williamson’s strength. Or it was a chance to see returning players in prominent roles.
There are a number of players who may struggle to find playing time this season, but that doesn’t mean they won’t hold the team's interest.
The Knicks have not yet released the final roster.. But here are some things to watch for as the Knicks summer schedule begins Saturday.
Rokas Jokubaitis arrives . . . again
When the Knicks selected the Lithuanian guard in the 2021 NBA Draft at No. 32 overall, he arrived at the Las Vegas Summer League with the promise of filling the gap in line of great point guards at the Garden. But after a brief showing in Vegas, an ankle injury and few highlights, he was on his way back to Europe. He has been playing for Barcelona for the last three seasons. With Lithuania ousted from the Olympics, he will be back for the first time since then. It will be a test as to whether he has a future in the NBA.
Jalen Brunson holds down the Knicks point guard spot and the backup roles are occupied by Deuce McBride and second-round pick Tyler Kolek. Jokubaitis projects as a combo guard, but the backcourt spots are crowded so he either has to show he has a very high ceiling or this might be a showcase for a future deal.
Youth is served
When the Knicks selected Pacome Dadiet with the 25th pick in the draft two weeks ago it seemed like easy math. Here is an 18-year-old with potential, but not ready for prime time who could easily remain overseas and off the Knicks salary cap this season.
But Dadiet confidently stated that night that he planned on heading to the NBA this season and he was right. The Knicks signed him to a team-friendly deal at 80% of the rookie scale. In exchange, Dadiet gets to spend the season under the watchful eyes of the Knicks coaching staff, seeing just how soon they can develop the potential of a 6-9 scorer.
First chance for the second round
Since the arrival of this front office the Knicks have managed to find useful pieces late in the first round and through the second round of the Draft. This season they have four players, all expected to be on the Summer League team. Kolek likely has the best chance to earn minutes. He's a 23-year-old, hard-nosed point guard who has the savvy to guide the second unit and the shooting ability to keep defenses honest.
The other two second-rounders likely will see more time at Westchester of the G League if they stick. Kevin McCullar Jr., taken No. 56 overall out of Kansas, is another player in the Thibodeau mold. He is a defensive-minded wing who dropped as injuries spoiled his postseason run and he might still need to improve his three-point shooting.
Ariel Hukporti, taken with the 58th pick, has played most recently in Australia. While the last pick in the draft may seem unlikely to stick, the Knicks do need someone with size. Hukporti is 6 — 11 with a reputation as a tough interior player and has a chance to open eyes.
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
