The New York Knicks are planning to carve out a role for their younger players in the 2025–26 season, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac. A team scout told Smith during Summer League in Las Vegas that the front office hopes to involve Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti, Kevin McCullar Jr., and MarJon Beauchamp more regularly next year despite a veteran-heavy roster.
“This is a tough rotation to crack,” the scout acknowledged. “We have a lot of NBA veterans who are going to play a lot. But Pacome looked a lot more comfortable this year than last year. Tyler got some run last year and we’re comfortable with playing him more this year.”
Dadiet, who appeared in 18 games for New York last season as a 19-year-old shooting guard, averaged 1.7 points and 1.0 rebounds in limited minutes while shooting 32.3 percent from the field.
Kolek, a 24-year-old point guard, saw action in 41 games last season and posted 2.0 points and 1.7 assists per game. The scout said the staff feels “comfortable” expanding his role in the coming year, especially given his ball-handling and playmaking skills.
Hukporti, the 23-year-old center, played in 25 contests and contributed solid rebounding and efficiency in spot minutes. “He was forced to play at times last year,” the scout noted, “and he’s more ready if that happens again this year.”
Two wings — McCullar and Beauchamp — also drew praise from the organization after strong performances in Las Vegas. McCullar, who only played four games last season, impressed coaches with his defensive instincts and hustle. Beauchamp, acquired midseason and now 24, showed improved shooting and energy after bouncing between teams in 2024–25.
While the Knicks’ depth chart remains crowded with experienced players, the team views Summer League as a crucial evaluation period for younger talent. The scout concluded, “We’re still figuring out the rest of the roster, but we hope all of those guys factor in somehow.”
