Jack

Kayil

Initially a question mark to arrive in Las Vegas at all, Kayil received the necessary clearance from Alba Berlin and made his Knicks summer debut on Saturday. The 39th overall pick in last month’s draft logged 21 minutes off the bench and played well after getting over some early jitters. Kayil has said that his goal is to come over to the NBA immediately and not spend another season in Europe, but he also noted after Saturday’s loss that the decision isn’t up to him. Kayil remaining with Alba Berlin would give the Knicks a little more room under the second apron, which may impact the thinking of Knicks decision-makers.

The 6-foot-5, 185-pound Kayil had a productive season for Alba Berlin, averaging 12.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists in just over 21 minutes per game, shooting 40 percent from the field, 34 percent from three and 77 percent from the foul line. He initially committed to Gonzaga, but ultimately decided to enter the 2026 draft and then remain in it. While Kayil still has strides to make as a playmaker, he’s a versatile combo guard who can also defend both positions. As part of a trade negotiated earlier Wednesday, Kayil’s draft rights head to the Knicks. Given New York’s desire to avoid the second apron, there may be questions about whether Kayil will come over to the NBA immediately or spend another season in Germany.