5 Summer League Knicks Players to Watch

The Knicks have learned the hard way that you can never have enough depth on a roster. They took one step towards bolstering their depth by firing Tom Thibodeau, and another by signing Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele. The last improvement the franchise must make is to better develop its young players. That starts here in Summer League, with multiple guys who can contribute to the 2025-26 Knicks.

1. Ariel Hukporti

Ariel Hukporti is first on this list because he’s most likely to play a major role on next year’s Knicks. Hukporti is a seven-foot, 246-pound center with very good athletic traits and an outstanding motor, making him the perfect backup for Mitchell Robinson. Hukporti can emulate much of what Robinson does on the floor defensively and on the glass. However, he also showcased some offensive skill in his limited playing time last season. Hukporti has the potential to make plays as the roller in pick-and-roll or finish at the rim.

With Robinson’s checkered injury history, Hukporti will at least be a security blanket for Mike Brown if Big Mitch misses time. Even if Robinson has the healthiest season of his career, the sophomore should still see real minutes next year as the third big man. His development is crucial for a team who’s becoming more expensive after they extend Mikal Bridges and possibly Robinson himself.

2. Pacome Dadiet

Pacome Dadiet is arguably the most important Knick at Summer League because he is an unfinished product brimming with potential. Turning just 20 later this month, Dadiet’s game is extremely raw. However, he seems to have everything a modern NBA swingman should have: a 6’7″ frame, silky athleticism, and a smooth jumper. His minutes in 18 games last season were uneven, but he flashed the traits of a legitimate NBA player at times.

His development over the summer will be extremely valuable to the Knicks. Again, Leon Rose is going to have to cut costs at some point. Dadiet becoming a playable rotation guy within the next couple of seasons would work wonders for the team.

3. Tyler Kolek

Tyler Kolek is the most NBA-ready out of the top three Knicks rookies from last year. He needs to become a much better shooter, scorer and defender to be a legitimate rotation player, especially on this team, but his game is dependable already. He’s already 24 and played four college seasons, meaning Kolek is very comfortable with his play-style and does it well. In a pinch, the Marquette product can run a bench unit’s offense. He’s an incredibly gifted passer who has a great feel for the game. Mike Brown can trust him for guard minutes anytime Brunson, Miles McBride, or Clarkson is out. It will be interesting to see whether Kolek has improved those areas of weakness.

4. Kevin McCullar Jr.

After being taken with the 56th pick in the 2024 draft, Kevin McCullar had a rough rookie year. He suffered a bone bruise in his knee at the end of his collegiate career at Kansas, causing him to miss the NCAA Tournament. The injury led into the 2024-25 season, only allowing McCullar to suit up 11 times for Westchester and four times for the Knicks. McCullar played very well in his limited G-League experience and has intriguing two-way tools at the wing. Knicks fans should be excited to see whether he can crack the rotation in 2025-26.

5. Mohamed Diawara

The lone pick of the Knicks 2025 draft at number 51, Mohamed Diawara is an unheralded international prospect. At 6’8″, Diawara is known best for incredible physical tools, but is an extremely raw prospect who just turned 20 years old. It is unlikely that he has a role on the Knicks for some time, but as the only selection in 2025, it’s worth watching whether he can turn some heads.