The Knicks have bolstered their lineup ahead of Monday’s training camp by signing rookie Tyler Nickel and returning forward Kevin McCullar Jr. to two-way contracts. Selected 47th overall in this year’s draft, Nickel made a strong impression during Summer League, averaging 12.2 points across five games and showcasing his sharpshooting with six three-pointers off the bench against the Nets. This performance reflects the success he had in college, where he hit 110 three-pointers in his senior year, ranking second in the SEC. Though there had been talk of Nickel possibly returning to school, he chose to start his professional journey with the Knicks instead.
Meanwhile, McCullar, who was picked 56th in the 2024 Draft, has spent the last two seasons with New York on similar two-way contracts. Slowly earning minutes in the rotation, the 6-foot-6 wing showed flashes of promise last season but appeared in just 21 NBA games, averaging 2.4 points in 7.4 minutes per contest. In the G League, he put up solid numbers with 16.8 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.4 rebounds over 14 games. The Knicks entered the offseason with three open two-way spots and, after these signings, have one slot left as training camp approaches.
Fan Take: This move highlights the Knicks’ commitment to developing young talent through their two-way contracts, which can be a game-changer for both the players and the team’s depth. For basketball fans, keeping an eye on prospects like Nickel and McCullar offers an exciting glimpse into the next wave of potential contributors in the NBA.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
