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Report: Tyler Nickel to consider return to college

Tyler Nickel.jpg

Tyler Nickel

NYK Guard-Forward

Player Stats

CBS Sports’ Isaac Trotter reports that Tyler Nickel is expected to explore his options for a potential return to college.

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.

- Raphielle Johnson

Transaction

Source: CBS Sports

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Tyler Nickel

NYK Guard-Forward

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Tyler Nickel provided a boost off the bench with 11 points (3-of-11 FGs), two rebounds, two steals and one three-pointer against the Raptors on Tuesday.

Nickel didn’t see the floor much in New York’s first two preseason games, but with the starters resting, he played a significant role in this one. He didn’t shoot the ball well from deep despite being a strong shooting prospect, but he was still able to score in double figures. Nickel likely won’t see the floor much this season, and there is no reason for managers to have him rostered outside of deep dynasty leagues.
Kevin McCullar

NYK Guard #9

Knicks signed Kevin McCullar Jr. and Tyler Nickel to two-way contracts.

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.
Tyler Nickel

NYK Guard-Forward

SNY’s Ian Begley reports that Tyler Nickel is “all in” on beginning his pro career this season.

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.
Jack Kayil

NYK Guard

Jack Kayil finished Monday’s win over the Pistons with 19 points (6-of-13 FGs, 2-of-3 FTs), one rebound, four assists, three steals and three three-pointers.

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.
Tyler Nickel

NYK Guard-Forward

Tyler Nickel produced 16 points (6-of-14 FGs), two rebounds, one assist, two blocks and four three-pointers in Saturday’s loss to the Spurs.

With returnees Mohamed Diawara (zero points, five rebounds, one assist and one block) and Pacôme Dadiet struggling mightily, Nickel has been one of the few bright spots for the Knicks in Las Vegas. After knocking down six three-pointers in Friday’s loss to the Nets, the second-round pick hit four more on Saturday. Putting capable shooters around Jalen Brunson has been a priority of the Knicks’ decision-makers since signing the point guard, and Nickel certainly fits the mold.
Tyler Nickel

NYK Guard-Forward

Tyler Nickel finished Friday’s loss to the Nets with 18 points (6-of-11 FGs), four rebounds and six three-pointers.

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.
Tyler Nickel

NYK Guard-Forward

Knicks selected Tyler Nickel with the No. 47 pick in the NBA Draft.

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.

Rotoworld

Precious Achiuwa

SAC Forward #9
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Precious Achiuwa (ankle) recorded a double-double on Tuesday with 12 points (5-of-15 FGs), 11 rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block and two three-pointers in a 110-98 loss to the Trail Blazers.

The Kings just can’t keep a backup big healthy. Maxime Raynaud (knee) and Dylan Cardwell (calf) are both set to miss time, so Achiuwa got the start with Domantas Sabonis getting the night off. Achiuwa exited early with a right ankle injury after having a productive night. If he is also forced to miss the start of the season, Jonathan Mogbo would be next in line to back up Sabonis.
- Noah Rubin

Recap

Source: Brenden Nunes
Jonathan Mogbo
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Ja Morant

POR Guard #1
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Ja Morant came off the bench on Tuesday and finished with 14 points (4-of-6 FGs, 6-of-9 FTs), two rebounds, six assists and one steal against the Kings.

Trail Blazers head coach Micah Nori has been toying with the starting lineup in the preseason, with Damian Lillard and Scoot Henderson starting in this game, while Morant and Jrue Holiday came off the bench. Morant was still productive, and it’s clear the four guards will all have a significant role. Morant and Holiday will reportedly start in their next preseason game, and the starting unit for opening night still hasn’t been decided.
- Noah Rubin

Recap

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Deni Avdija

POR Forward #8
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Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 26 points (9-of-13 FGs), nine rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two three-pointers in a 110-98 win over the Kings on Tuesday.

If there were concerns about Avdija’s usage with all the changes to Portland’s backcourt, he has addressed those during the preseason. Clearly, he’s still the focal point of the offense. He has averaged 24.5 points in 23 minutes per game through two preseason appearances. It’s a tiny sample size, but Avdija is still going to be a fantasy stud this season and have the ball in his hands a ton.
- Noah Rubin

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Walker Kessler

LAL Center #14
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Walker Kessler made his preseason debut for the Lakers on Tuesday and contributed 11 points (4-of-6 FGs), nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block against the Warriors.

Suiting up for the first time as a Laker, Kessler was able to produce at a high level in just 16 minutes. He was able to showcase his fantasy appeal, even with Luka Dončić getting a rest night. That pick-and-roll duo should be excellent for fantasy managers, and Kessler has a chance to finally cash in on the fantasy potential that he showcased during his first two seasons.
- Noah Rubin

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Austin Reaves

LAL Guard #15
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Austin Reaves lit up the Warriors with 28 points (10-of-18 FGs), four rebounds, seven assists, four three-pointers and seven turnovers in a 101-89 loss on Tuesday.

This was a little taste of how good Reaves can in fantasy basketball this season. Of course, Luka Dončić was sidelined, which allowed Reaves to score 23 points in just the first half. Dončić will be primary source of offense, but when he’s sidelined, Reaves will see a ton of usage, with the only downside being his turnovers. Reaves will still be productive enough when Dončić is healthy to be worth taking in the second or third round of drafts.
- Noah Rubin

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Yaxel Lendeborg

GSW Forward
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Yaxel Lendeborg finished with 17 points (5-of-11 FGs, 6-of-9 FTs), five rebounds, four assists, two steals and one three-pointer in a 101-89 win over the Lakers on Tuesday.

Lendeborg’s strong preseason continued in this game, though it is worth noting that he tweaked his left ankle in the third quarter. He shot his free throws before exiting and wasn’t limping and was able to return to the game. There’s no reason to think it will impact his status for opening night, where he should be part of the Warriors’ starting unit.
- Noah Rubin

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Brandin Podziemski

GSW Guard #2
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Brandin Podziemski contributed 17 points (6-of-12 FGs), five rebounds, two assists, one steal and three three-pointers against the Lakers on Tuesday.

Podz signed a five-year extension with the Warriors just a few days ago, showing how important he is to their future. He has been solid so far during the preseason and should be an important piece for the Warriors once again this season. Following a rough start to last season, Podz closed the year out well and will look to carry some of that momentum into this season.
- Noah Rubin

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Jared McCain

OKC Guard #3
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Jared McCain led the Thunder with 20 points (6-of-13 FGs), two rebounds, two assists, one steal and six three-pointers in a 114-112 overtime win over the Pacers on Tuesday.

McCain led Oklahoma City in scoring in just 19 minutes in the overtime win. Sam Presti already hyped him up before the preseason began, and he has shown why during the preseason, having now hit 13 triples across three games. When the team is fully healthy, his role will likely be too limited for him to make an impact for fantasy managers, but it should be large enough for him to be an important piece in OKC’s rotation.
- Noah Rubin

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Aday Mara

OKC Center
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Aday Mara provided a boost off the bench with 10 points (4-of-5 FGs), four rebounds, one assist and three blocks against the Pacers on Tuesday.

Mara came off the bench with Isaiah Hartenstein making his preseason debut, but he was still able to make a solid impact in his 19 minutes. Mara has been productive during the preseason, and with Chet Holmgren (quad) and Jaylin Williams (heel) having been sidelined for the preseason so far, there is a chance Mara ends up playing a large role early on behind Isaiah Hartenstein. It’s a situation worth monitoring with the regular season set to start in just one week.
- Noah Rubin

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Source: Justin Martinez
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Chet Holmgren

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Ivica Zubac

IND Center #40
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Ivica Zubac recorded a double-double on Tuesday with 13 points (6-of-7 FGs), 13 rebounds, five assists and three steals against the Thunder.

Tyrese Haliburton’s performance was incredible, but Zubac’s numbers shouldn’t be overlooked. If this game was an indicator, he should be in for a monster season with Haliburton feeding him the ball. This stat line came in just 18 minutes, making it even more impressive. His sixth-round ADP could end up being a bargain, and he will be vital to the Pacers’ chances of making more noise in the playoffs.
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