The New York Knicks kicked off their 2025 NBA Summer League on July 11 against the Detroit Pistons at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. The debut highlighted the development of several young players—particularly second-year guards Tyler Kolek and Pacôme Dadiet, plus 19-year-old undrafted signee Dink Pate—under assistant coach Jordan Brink. The event serves as an early barometer ahead of the 2025–26 season, offering insight into emerging talent and potential roster decisions.
The Knicks stumbled in their opening game, falling 104–86 to Detroit. According to reports, the team struggled to match head coach Mike Brown’s “fast-paced, quick decision-making” philosophy. They recorded 16 turnovers and shot just 40% from the field and 22% from three, signaling early execution issues. Assistant coach Jordan Brink acknowledged that the transition from practice to game action was rough, noting the offense “lacked pace and efficient execution in the opening minutes.” While the result won’t affect the regular season, expectations are high. Kolek, Dadiet, and Ariel Hukporti have earned roster spots and are expected to capitalize on this developmental opportunity.
Tyler Kolek, a second-year guard drafted 34th overall in 2024, has been among the Summer League’s focal points. He averaged nearly 10 points and 7 assists during his rookie Vegas stint in 2024, earning praise as one of the top second-round picks. Despite the poor shooting night in the opener, Kolek contributed 10 points but also 5 turnovers, spotlighting both his playmaking ability and ongoing need for improved ball security. He has emphasized off-season growth, working to elevate his consistency and control to better align with Brown’s game plan.
Pacôme Dadiet, the Knicks’ first-round pick from 2024, brings a versatile 6-8 frame and 3-and-D potential. A native of Aubagne, France, he has undergone a European-to-NBA transition through stints in Paris, Ulm, and the Westchester Knicks. Summer league provides a platform to demonstrate his defensive versatility and shooting consistency, key to carving out his role next season.
Dink Pate is the most youthful of the group at 19, joining as a non-drafted developmental project after notable runs with G League Ignite and Mexico City Capitanes. He averaged 10.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists over 50 games in Mexico. Las Vegas offers his initial platform to prove his offensive and defensive potential at an NBA-ready pace.
Heading the Summer League squad is assistant coach Jordan Brink, whose reputation as the Knicks’ “Challenge Maestro” highlights his tactical impact. He has previously helped the Knicks achieve an impressive 86% success rate on video challenges—the league’s best. Brink’s increasing responsibilities, including leading officiating challenges and developing young talent, led to his Summer League head-coach role. His background spans from video coordination to player development with the Detroit Pistons—a broadening portfolio that now includes mentoring this promising rookie class.
Summer League serves multiple critical purposes for the Knicks. It’s a space for talent evaluation, as teams assess who can step into two-way roles or secure rotation minutes. It’s also vital for philosophy implementation—executing Mike Brown’s vision of tempo and decision-making in-game sets the tone for the upcoming season. Additionally, it’s a growth lab for controlling mistakes, refining shot selection, and adapting to NBA speed. Finally, performance here may influence final roster decisions, including two-way contracts or G-League assignments.
The Knicks are scheduled for four more Summer League games—against Boston on July 13, Brooklyn on July 15, and Indiana on July 17—with potential for a championship bracket depending on results. Despite the early setback, the Summer League remains a valuable proving ground. Kolek and Dadiet aim to showcase development and consistency, while Pate seeks to earn a path into the NBA ranks. Under Brink’s leadership, the team looks to better reflect Brown’s philosophy—speed, efficiency, and smart execution. Observers will be watching subsequent games closely for signs that these prospects are ready to help shape the Knicks’ rotation next season.
As the Knicks continue their Las Vegas run, each day offers a snapshot of how well the team’s future pieces are falling into place—and whether they’ll return home with momentum and depth to bolster the 2025–26 campaign.
