Tyler Nickel hits four more triples, scores 16

Days before training camp begins, the Knicks have officially filled two of their three available two-way slots. McCullar, the 56th overall pick in the 2024 draft, has spent most of his time with the Knicks’ G League affiliate, appearing in 25 NBA games over two seasons. McCullar played 21 NBA games last season, averaging 2.4 points in 7.4 minutes per appearance. As for Nickel, the 6-foot-6 wing out of Vanderbilt was the 47th overall pick in the most recent draft. Known for his perimeter shooting ability, Nickel was one of the Knicks’ best performers in Summer League.

In the aftermath of a court decision that now allows college players five seasons of eligibility, CBS Sports reported that Nickel was considering a return to college. In addition to entering the draft in the spring, the former Vanderbilt sharpshooter entered his name into the transfer portal. Another season of college basketball could also earn Nickel more money than a deal with the Knicks, based on projections that he could command seven figures in NIL payments. However, Nickel is reportedly focused on starting his NBA career. The question is whether the Knicks will sign him to a standard contract or a two-way contract, with the latter option allowing the team to save some cap space as the front office finalizes the roster.

Diawara, who had his moments during the 2025-26 regular season before falling out of the rotation for the team’s title run, injured his left ring finger during Summer League. While he did need to undergo surgery, the wing has already returned to the court and is expected to be fully ready when the Knicks open training camp in late September. There should once again be opportunities for Diawara to contribute during the regular season, but he is not a player to select in redraft leagues.

Selected with the 47th overall pick in June’s draft, Nickel was arguably the Knicks’ best performer at Summer League in Las Vegas. However, a recent lawsuit ruling that now allows players to play five seasons of college basketball may have opened the door for a return to campus. Nickel, who entered his name into the transfer portal in April, is said to be considering the possibility of playing another season of college basketball. According to the Nashville Post, his NIL valuation ranges from $1-1.4 million, likely more money than Nickel would make if he were to agree to a deal with the Knicks. If he does return to college, the Knicks would retain Nickel’s draft rights.

After a solid effort in his Knicks summer debut on Saturday, Kayil looked more comfortable on Monday. A reason for this may have been his insertion into the starting lineup, as the Knicks held out Mohamed Diawara and Pacôme Dadiet. More of the offense ran through players like Kayil, Tyler Nickel (nine points, six rebounds and three three-pointers) and Dillon Jones (18 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and two three-pointers), with Oziyah Sellers (10 points, seven rebounds and one assist) contributing off the bench. The lingering question for Kayil is where he’ll play his basketball next season. While the rookie has said he would prefer to remain in the NBA, the Knicks may stash him overseas to save cap space.

One of the best three-point shooters in the 2026 draft class, Nickel showcased his perimeter prowess in his summer debut. The former Vanderbilt wing shot 6-of-10 from beyond the arc on Friday, standing out on a day when his Knicks teammates combined to go 3-of-29 from three. With the Knicks’ perimeter rotation returning for another title run, Nickel faces long odds of consistently cracking Mike Brown’s rotation. However, if last season indicated anything, it’s that Brown is willing to give everyone a chance throughout the season.

While the Nets were able to flip to switch offensively after halftime, the Knicks continued to struggle, shooting 28 percent from the field on the day. Dadiet’s 20 points were the team’s highest, but he needed 16 attempts to reach that total. Like Mohamed Diawara (seven points, six rebounds and one three-pointer), Dadiet is hoping to earn a shot at consistent rotation opportunities next season for the reigning champs. That makes this summer critical for both, and Friday’s performances were lacking.

After playing sparingly as a freshman at North Carolina, Nickel played one season at Virginia Tech before transferring to Vanderbilt for his final two. And Mark Byington’s system paid dividends for the 6-foot-6 wing, who averaged 12.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 2.8 three-pointers as a Commodore. Nickel shot 40.2 percent from three at Vanderbilt on 6.9 attempts per game; the perimeter shooting ability is his best asset as a potential pro. The question for Nickel in New York is whether he’ll be on a standard contract or a two-way contract. With the Knicks looking to avoid the second apron and their depth on the wings, Nickel may have a tough time cracking the rotation consistently as a rookie.

While Diawara was not in the Knicks’ playoff rotation during the team’s run to the NBA title, he did have his moments during the regular season. As a result, there was some intrigue as restricted free agency approached. However, according to Monday’s report, the rookie will not even test those waters, as he has decided to return to the New York on a multi-year deal. Nothing has been confirmed, but early reports indicate the contract is four years long. While Diawara is worth rostering in dynasty leagues, his redraft league value will depend in part on whether the Knicks can re-sign Landry Shamet.

Shamet has been added to the lengthy list of Knicks players who won’t play in a game that won’t affect the team’s playoff seeding. His absence frees up playing time for Mohamed Diawara and Pacôme Dadiet, with the former offering a higher ceiling for those in active fantasy leagues.