Top 5 KNICKS to Watch in Summer League Tonight 👀

Top 5 KNICKS to Watch in Summer League Tonight 👀

Summer League tips off tonight for the Knicks. And trust me, there are some serious names to watch. One guy will be competing for a legit backup center spot. Another could earn a standard contract if he dominates. And a couple of rookies will look to prove why the front office took a chance on them. Let’s break down the top five Nicks to watch in summer league and a few other names flying under the radar. Let’s start with the first one, and that is Ariel Hakorti. He’s going to be walking into summer league as the likely backup center on the main roster behind Mitchell Robinson and Carl Anthony Towns. So, this isn’t just a developmental run for him. This is a chance to show that he belongs right now. And what are we looking for as Knicks fans? Number one is mobility. How he handles NBA pace and switching. The second thing is rim protection. That’s his bread and butter. We want to see him not get into foul trouble and also protect the rim at the same time. And third thing is how he fits next to pace pushers like Kick or Dier. So, if Ariel looks dominant, that backup center spot is his to lose. Now, the second player to watch is Pakcom Dier, the 19-year-old French wing that the Knicks drafted in the first round last year. He’s still raw. He’s young, but the talent is definitely there. And remember, he’s a legit 6’8, can handle the ball a little, and has a smooth stroke. He’s been praised for his feel, patience, and high IQ for his age. But tonight, it’s about seeing how he handles physicality, NBA spacing, and defensive rotations. The Knicks are in no rush with him, but a strong showing in Vegas would instantly raise excitement. Even if he still will not be a part of next season’s rotation, this is about flashing tools not being polished. Now, at number three, let’s talk about Tyler Kick. And listen, do not sleep on him. He was one of the most accomplished college point guards in the country last year, and the Knicks clearly see something. Kick’s game is built around toughness, passing field, and leadership. He’s going to run the show in summer league and that means that this is his chance to prove that he can hold his own against NBA athletes. And don’t forget, while Kool doesn’t currently project for early rotation minutes, he will likely be the primary table setter in Vegas. This is his show to run. Now, the fourth player to watch will be Kevin McCuller Jr. who’s currently on track to take one of the final standard roster spots on a rookie minimum deal, but that deal isn’t signed yet, and Summerly could still shake things up. McCuller’s calling card is defense, point of attack, hustle plays, switchable, and smart. He’s exactly the kind of guy that you want as the 14th or 15th man. Someone who doesn’t need the ball, but always competes. And keep an eye on these things with him tonight. Is his jumper falling? Does he look confident in transition? And is he clearly more NBA ready than guys like Bo Champ or Dawara? He’s definitely going to be fighting for that last roster spot because he will face some competition. And finally, we got James Naji as the fifth player to watch. This might be the most fascinating case in summer league. Naji is currently expected to land at least a two-way contract, but do not be surprised if that changes quickly. If he dominates in Vegas, the Knicks could reroute the final rookie minimum spot his way instead of McCuller. Why? Because Naji has the NBA body, the vertical pop, and the tools to become a defensive anchor. And also, the backup center spot isn’t necessarily locked. If he shows more than Hooki, he could jump the line for real. Tonight is a real opportunity for him to shake up the Knicks depth chart. Now, beyond the top five, here are a few other names that you absolutely should still keep an eye on tonight. Number one is Dink Pate, a 6’7 teenage point guard fighting for a two-way deal. He has big playmaker energy and a strong showing tonight could lock it in. Another name is Mohamed Dawara, the Knicks 51st pick this year. According to multiple people, including James Edwards III of the Athletic, the Knicks plan to have him go back to France for another year to develop unless he really impresses. He’s raw, but very versatile and has all the physical tools you need. Lastly, I will say keep an eye on Marjan Bochamp. Still waiting to hear if he’s even eligible for a two-way based on his NBA experience, but if he is, he’s a threat. If not, he might be more of a camp body. But either way, all three are part of the roster conversation, and tonight’s performance could tip the scale. So here’s your summer league watch list heading into Knicks for Spistance tonight. Number one, Ariel Hakporti. Can he solidify the backup center role? Number two is Pakome Dier. Flash the upside the Knicks are betting on. Number three is Tyler Kola. Can he run the offense and control the game? Also, can he still show some improvements on defense? And number four is Kevin McCuller Jr. We have to see if he can hit shots at a consistent rate. Lastly, James Naji, the real sleeper to jump to the main roster. And don’t sleep on Dink Pate. The buzz is building. And Nicks fans, let me know out of these young guys, who are you most excited to watch in summer league? And if you enjoyed this video, make sure to hit that like button and sub to the channel for more Nicks news and updates you will not want to miss all summer long. It’s been KNYT here and I’ll see you guys in the next one.

The New York Knicks kick off their 2025 Summer League tonight at 6:00 PM vs the Detroit Pistons, and there are some SERIOUS names to keep an eye on.

From Ariel Hukporti competing for the backup center role… to rookies like Pacôme Dadiet and Tyler Kolek… to James Nnaji potentially earning a standard contract if he shows out, tonight’s game could reshape the Knicks’ depth chart.

In this video, we break down:

✅ The top 5 Knicks to watch in Summer League

✅ How Ariel Hukporti and James Nnaji could shake up the center rotation

✅ Whether Kevin McCullar Jr. can lock in the final standard roster spot

✅ Why Dink Pate, Diawara, and Beauchamp are key two-way candidates

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