The lack of a Brunson backup became an issue in the playoffs, when playmaking was such a weakness the Knicks turned to extended Alec Burks minutes for hope.
Perhaps the return of Julius Randle, a point forward at times, or the addition of Mikal Bridges , a capable creator off the dribble, will cover up whatever problems the Knicks have when Brunson is on the bench.
Still, that potential area of need is a storyline for summer league given two of the main characters on the Knicks squad — Tyler Kolek and Rokas Jokubaitis.
Both played in Saturday’s 94-90 loss to the Hornets in the Knicks’ Las Vegas Summer League debut, and the results were a mixed bag with promising moments, in particular, for Kolek.
At 23 years old, the point guard is considered more ready-made than most of his 2024 draft peers.
He might’ve been the team’s best player in the first half, then turned more passive as the Knicks leaned on Duane Washington Jr. (26 points) for offense.
Jokubaitis, meanwhile, played only 14 minutes off the bench and finished with eight points on 3-for-6 shooting.
The 23-year-old Lithuanian is at something of a career crossroads while rejoining the summer league squad after a two-year hiatus.
Jokubaitis was drafted 34th in 2021 by the Knicks and stashed overseas, enjoying success — and a Euroleague Rising Star Award — with Barcelona.
But Barcelona’s backcourt grew crowded, and Jokubaitis is “expected” to leave the Spanish team next season for Zalgiris Kaunas, a Lithuanian squad, according to a report Friday from BasketNews.
Summer league represents Jokubaitis’ opportunity to impress upon the Knicks coaching staff that it should keep him.
The free agents remaining who would fit the definition of a backup point guard include Dennis Smith Jr., Patrick Beverley, Devonte’ Graham and Cam Payne.
Perhaps the better option is on the summer league roster.
They showed a little bit Saturday.
Pacome Dadiet, the Knicks’ first-round pick last month, looked overwhelmed and missed six of his seven shots in 26 minutes. At just 18 years old, he shot a pair of airballs in the first half and lived up to his billing as a long-term project.
One draft pick who wasn’t available Saturday was Kevin McCullar Jr., who didn’t travel to Las Vegas as he recovers from a knee injury sustained during the college season at Kansas.
McCullar, the 56th pick last month, suffered a “bone bruise,” according to reports at the time, but he missed the entire NCAA Tournament and hasn’t played in over four months.
For the latest in sports, top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com/sports/
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Comments / 0