Knicks 2024 NBA Summer League Preview: 4 players to watch, including Pacome Dadiet

The New York Knicks kick off their Summer League action this year with a game against the Charlotte Hornets at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

With three draft picks from the 2024 NBA Draft active for the Summer League games, as well as recent two-way players from last year’s roster, the Knicks have some young prospects to watch this summer. Here’s four players to keep an eye on during Summer League action.

Pacome Dadiet

Wings with size don’t grow on trees. The Knicks are betting on the 18-year-old Dadiet to develop. The club’s lone first round pick in this year’s draft, Dadiet has played professionally overseas in France and Germany.

A 6-8 wing, Dadiet has a ton of potential and could become a depth piece for the Knicks down the road. He can knock down shots on and off the ball. Dadiet as a finisher alongside second-round pick Tyler Kolek sounds enticing.

Dadiet needs to become a more well-rounded player, especially if he ever sees minutes on a Tom Thibodeau-coached team. It will be important to watch how Dadiet defends on the perimeter, if he can battle on the boards and grow as a secondary playmaker. That’s exactly what Summer League is for.

Tyler Kolek

Outside of Jalen Brunson, New York does not have a traditional ball-handling point guard on the roster so there could be some minutes for Kolek this upcoming season if an injury happens. Kolek could be an impact player in Summer League.

The 6-3 guard averaged 15.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game in his senior season at Marquette. His skills as a passer out of the pick and roll and as a finisher around the basket on drives should be on display. Kolek also shot 38.8 percent from the three-point line.

Mar 22, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles guard Tyler Kolek (11) shoots against Western Kentucky Hilltoppers guard Khristian Lander (4) in the first half in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Gainbridge FieldHouse / Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

The Knicks gave Kolek $6.6 million in guaranteed money, an NBA record for a second-round pick. During the games, Kolek’s defense at the point of attack as well as his perimeter shooting…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/knicks-2024-nba-summer-league-153202347.html

Author : SNY

Publish date : 2024-07-13 15:32:02

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