After so much buildup, the 2026 NBA Draft has finally come and gone. While the New York Knicks were busy securing their first NBA title in 53 years, the rest of the league was focused on the draft. But now that the dust has settled, it’s time to look at what the Knicks did and didn’t do during the two-night event.<\/p>\n
This is a more general need. The Knicks already made decisions for the team’s future during the draft. New York traded out of the first round and acquired five future second-round picks, financial compensation and two second-rounders. It was smart, because after winning the NBA title, the Knicks made these moves to circumnavigate the first-round cap hold and avoid passing the second tax apron.<\/p>\n
However, they still managed to add some new talent. The Knicks drafted Jack Kayil<\/a> of Alba Berlin<\/a> at No. 39<\/a> and Tyler Nickel<\/a> of Vanderbilt at No. 47<\/a>. But, aside from that, the Knicks’ roster looks like more of the same for next season. So, the powers at be have to asses their talent and think about the present, not just the future.<\/p>\n Mitchell Robinson<\/a> is currently a free agent, but that could change quickly. The starting center has expressed interest in re-signing with the Knicks, and who wouldn’t want to, really? But it hasn’t happened yet, and this is a situation that the Knicks have to figure out.<\/p>\n According to a report from Jake Fischer of The Stein Line<\/a>, Robinson is “very open” to coming back to New York. But money is a big factor here. Keeping Robinson is complicated by the Knicks’ salary cap.<\/p>\n Robinson appeared in 60 games last season. In those matchups, he averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 0.9 assists in 19.6 minutes per game. He also shot an efficient 72.3% from the field. So, there are benefits to having Robinson back, but the Knicks will have to do so carefully, and he’ll need to return at perhaps a lower salary than he would like. If the Knicks aren’t able to re-sign him, they will have to find a solid, affordable center to be active on the glass and help stabilize their frontcourt.<\/p>\n Now that the Knicks have Kayil and Nickel, they should train them up to take some pressure off of star guard Jalen Brunson<\/a>. It’s great that New York won the championship, but Brunson<\/a>, in no way, should have had to score 45 points in Game 5. The Knicks simply rely on him too much. That has to stop.<\/p>\n Head coach Mike Brown has to get Kayil and Nickel to the point where they can get some minutes and help Brunson. There isn’t a ton of time for development here.<\/p>\n Nickel could really help with perimeter shooting. He nailed 40% of his 3-pointers last season, and his skills can help spread the defense away from Brunson.<\/p>\n The Knicks really had their sights set on Kayil, as they snagged him in a trade from the Houston Rockets. He’s versatile, big and could go off in the NBA. He could also come off the bench to keep Brunson fresh.<\/p>\nMake a Decision on\u00a0Mitchell Robinson<\/h3>\n
Use Jack Kayil and Tyler Nickel to Back Up Jalen Brunson<\/h3>\n