Much like their conference opponents in the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat, the New York Knicks obtained several talented rookies on draft night. While brimming with potential, each rookie has questions that they need to address throughout the coming season. Here are the questions that each of the rookies on the New York Knicks have to answer during the 2024-2025 NBA season.
1 Question For Each New York Knicks Rookie
Pacome Dadiet
Question: Can Dadiet improve offensively?
The New York Knicks selected French wing Pacome Dadiet with the 25th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. As a player and one of the younger prospects in the draft, Dadiet has immense potential as a versatile wing who can easily slot into a 3-and-D role. He has a smooth-looking jump shot and impressive instincts on defense. At summer league, Dadiet’s defense was on full display, and, surprisingly, he impressed as a passer. The offense left something to be desired, but the mechanics of his jump shot looked good. Overall, Dadiet had an up-and-down summer league where he had interesting flashes of potential and areas where he needed to work on.
Given his offensive deficiencies, the question that Dadiet needs to address for the coming season is whether or not he can improve offensively. Without a doubt, Dadiet will likely not see playing time in his rookie season. However, he needs to improve, so he can have a chance for playing time in his sophomore season. The rookie needs to improve at finishing around the basket, ball-handling, and shooting. While his shooting form looks good, he still needs to refine it further to be more consistent. Improving his strength can assist him offensively as well. Having more strength can help Dadiet when going to the basket. If he can take steps to improve his offense, it will go a long way for him to see minutes in year two.
Tyler Kolek
Question: Can Kolek contribute immediately to the Knicks?
The Marquette guard Tyler Kolek joined the New York Knicks in a trade after being drafted 34th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. As one of the older members of the draft, Kolek has refined numerous skills throughout his four-year college career. The skills that pop out the most in Kolek’s game are his playmaking and versatile scoring. He can score on all three levels and is an excellent decision-maker when dishing out the ball. Those aspects of his game were apparent at summer league, where he was consistently dishing out five-plus assists and scoring in various ways. This is highlighted in a 106-105 victory over the Sacramento Kings where Kolek had 21 points and eight assists for the game.
Due to his age and experience going into the NBA, the big question for Kolek is whether or not he can contribute immediately to the Knicks. The Knicks need guard play behind Jalen Brunson and specifically someone who can organize offense. If Kolek can immediately contribute, then he can easily slot in as the backup point guard. It is a role tailor-made for him due to his playmaking ability. If he can answer that question, then he will have minutes and a role that plays to his strengths. It will be up to Kolek to show coach Tom Thibodeau that he deserves to play.
Ariel Hukporti
Can Hukporti improve offensively?
The New York Knicks obtained the 58th overall pick, Ariel Hukporti, in a trade that sent Melvin Ajinca to the Dallas Mavericks. The German center’s talents lie in his ability as a shot blocker and rebounder. He effectively utilizes his size and length to bother opponents going to the rim. While Hukporti didn’t have the most impressive summer league performance, he still flashed his talent. He had one double-double performance where he scored 11 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Additionally, he had several near-double-double performances throughout summer league. Without a doubt, Hukporti made his presence known on the boards and defense at summer league.
While his rebounding and rim protection were positives, the same could not be said for his offense. Hukporti has an extremely basic offensive skill set as a big, where he merely serves as a roller, cutter, or lob finisher. He has no jump shot nor is he an effective passer and he is a poor free-throw shooter. His post-game isn’t good enough to justify giving him those types of looks in real games. The big question for Hukporti is whether or not he can improve on the offensive end. If he can add more facets to his offensive skill set, it would differentiate him from other Knicks centers. For instance, if Hukporti could become a better passer, he could fill the niche role that Isaiah Hartenstein left behind. If Hukporti can answer that question, it will only make his ability to be a long-term NBA player stronger.
Kevin McCullar Jr.
Question: Can McCullar show that he can contribute immediately?
The Phoenix Suns traded the 56th overall pick, Kevin McCullar Jr., in a trade with the Knicks for Oso Ighodaro. McCullar is on the older side of prospects in the draft and it shows in his impressive, versatile skill set. His greatest aspects as a player are his defensive abilities and his high motor, while also being a smart off-ball cutter. While he didn’t play in summer league due to injury, he fully displayed his skills at Kansas. The Kansas swingman showcased his ability to guard multiple positions, be a pest defending on-ball, and be a smart off-ball defender. His intelligence also extends to the offensive end as he is a smart cutter and slasher. Undoubtedly, McCullar has the skills to be an immediate contributor in the NBA.
With his skills, the question for McCullar is whether or not he can contribute immediately. If he can show that he can immediately contribute, then it is likely he will earn a full contract. While the Knicks are full of high-level defenders, being able to have a real NBA player on a rookie deal would be valuable. Additionally, with the injury concerns that some Knicks players have, McCullar could fill those minutes in a pinch. Regardless, it will be up to McCullar to prove his readiness to the Knicks that he can be a real contributor.
