News Knicks Team Notes

[New York Knicks]

SummerKnicks Game Preview: Knicks vs. Pistons, July 11, 2025

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

Let’s go, summer hoopers!

Summer League basketball is back, baby.

The New York Knicks open their 2025 Summer League campaign tonight at 6:00 PM ET, facing the Detroit Pistons in Las Vegas. Knicks summer league games will be televised on ESPN2 and NBA TV. You can also stream them on ESPN+, NBA League Pass, and other streaming services.

The Knicks’ Summer League roster showcases a mix of returning and incoming prospects, including second-year players Pacome Dadiet, Kevin McCullar Jr., Tyler Kolek, and Ariel Hukporti, alongside new faces Dink Pate, James Nnaji, and Mohamed Diawara.

The team is coached by assistant Jordan Brink, known for his elite challenge success rate. Other intriguing names include Anton Watson and MarJon Beauchamp, who had brief stints with the Knicks last season, and fan favorite Yudai Baba, a G League veteran. While Summer League performance isn’t always predictive of regular-season success, this group offers plenty of questions worth watching—like whether Kolek can make a leap, Dadiet can flash offensive upside, or the new additions can force their way into the conversation.

Let the Summer Madness begin.

DETAILS​

• When: Friday, July 11, 6:00 PM ET
• Where: Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas
• Watch: ESPN2, NBA TV
• Next Up: The Celtics on July 13, then Brooklyn (July 15) and Indiana (July 17)

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...s-game-preview-knicks-vs-pistons-july-11-2025

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘Fast is really decision-making, playing with an 0.5 mentality’

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

Fast Knicks will be fun.

The Knicks allowed the Pistons to beat them after touching them in the playoffs.

Detroit might not sniff another win against New York for the next 12 months.

Here’s what we’ve heard about and around the Knicks during the past few hours.

final pic.twitter.com/QdQ7HwcoyD

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) July 12, 2025​

Jordan Brink (Summer Knicks Coach)​

On implementing Mike Brown’s faster philosophy at the Summer League:

“It doesn’t just mean playing up and down, like we have to get out in transition. The fast part is all of the stuff in our actions.

“If we get the ball up the floor quick and don’t have anything, we’re to the next action. Fast is really decision-making, playing with a ‘.5’ mentality. That’s fast, too. I think a lot of our guys early on … we want to play fast, but we don’t want to play rushed. We want to make quick decisions.”

On acknowledging Brown’s desire to play fast, starting in Vegas:

“We’ve communicated foundationally on what we want to do on both sides of the ball. A huge part of it — and he talked about it with you guys in his presser — is just playing fast.”

On the need for tune-ups following the loss to the Pistons:

“I thought it took us a while to get adjusted to the game. We played fast and played with pace all week in practice. And then the first five minutes today, we didn’t really have that.

“So that was the biggest thing from an offensive standpoint of how we wanted to play. I don’t think we did a good job of executing that.”

Jordi Fernandez (Brooklyn Nets Head Coach)​

On Mike Brown’s fearless approach:

“The one thing you can tell about Mike Brown is that he’s not scared. I give him a lot of respect for that. He always is up for the challenge. He was at that time, 2009, 2010, [then] he was with Sacramento and it was the longest playoff drought in history, and he is right now joining the Knicks. You guys have somebody that will not be afraid and he’ll be ready to do what he needs to do. And I think you learn from all those situations. That’s why he’s the coach he is right now.”

On how he met Mike Brown and what he learned from him:

“I met Mike through working with his son Elijah. And long story short, he offered me to go to Cleveland to work with Elijah and ended up hiring me in Cleveland. That’s how I started my journey in the NBA. Always thankful to him . . . He helped me a lot, gave me the opportunity, but most important thing, he treated me like family. I still consider him like my family. Sometimes he’d watch me through film. That’s very Mike-like. And always attention to detail. Great way about him. You know, incredible worker. I learned a lot of the things about those details and teaching and so forth.”

On Brown’s evolution across teams:

“You see the Mike at the beginning. When I met him, he was 39, just turning 40. I always remember the day that we celebrated his 40th birthday at the facility with everybody there, in the 2009-10 season. And then you see the evolution, going through Golden State, going to the Lakers, coming back and going to Golden State. You see obviously the same person, good person, talented person, but with different experience. And we all become part of our experiences as coaches. And that’s been the coolest thing. I see the same Mike as a person, but different. I’ve enjoyed seeing that from him. The thing is we all have to learn from experiences, keep the good and correct some of the things when the experience is not that good. I give him a lot of credit. He didn’t stick in his own ways. He always got better and now he gets to coach a very special organization.”

On Mike Brown’s demanding nature:

“In a good way, yes. He works really hard. He wants everybody else to work hard. He always has a very good way with people. People love Mike Brown. And he will hold everybody accountable, not just the players but everybody that works around him and himself. When he feels like he made a mistake, he’ll share with everybody else. So I’ve learned a lot from him.”

Tyler Kolek​

On his offseason development:

“We’ve been working all summer. I’m just trying to get my body right and improve—conditioning, shooting, finishing, defense, all aspects.”

On looking forward to play more games under Brown’s philosophy:

“He hasn’t addressed the whole team. He just got here last week.

“But from what the coaches have been emphasizing in summer league, and I’m sure what he’s relayed to them, it’s just play faster, get the ball out, we want to sprint up the floor, move the ball.”

Mitchell Robinson​

On giving back through basketball camps:

“If coming to these camps gets them out the house, shows them there’s more to life, then hell… if I can help change lives in this community that took me in as one of their own.”

Wally Szczerbiak (Former NBA Player)​

On what it’s like to play for Mike Brown:

“I loved it… Outstanding leader.

“In the film rooms, he gets his message across. There’s no messing around.

“If you have a problem, he has an open door. He likes expectations, championship or bust.”

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...decision-making-playing-with-an-0-5-mentality

 

[New York Knicks]

Get to know the Knicks’ Summer League roster

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

The focal points, lottery tickets, and fun stories.

The offseason can be long and unforgiving. It rings true in any sport.

With the Knicks, even though it’s only been 43 days since the last time they took the floor, it feels significantly longer. It’ll be another 81 days until their first preseason game in Abu Dhabi on October 2.

In the meantime, we have Summer League.

There’s a good chance that not a single player on the Knicks’ Summer League roster is a key contributor to what hopes to be a championship contender at the World’s Most Famous Arena next season, but there exists a bevy of interesting young players that could occupy key depth spots, while other fight for two-way contracts and an NBA dream that seems so distant when you latch onto the back of a Summer League roster.

The Summer Knicks opened their likely five-game tenure in Las Vegas with a discouraging defeat at the hands of Ron Holland II and the Pistons, but are back in action at 5:30 tonight against the Boston Celtics.

With four more games to go, let’s get to know the roster of guys that, at least for the summer, are all we've got.

your knicks summer league roster pic.twitter.com/W3ZWMEd573

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) July 7, 2025​

The Sophomores​

#4 Pacome Dadiet (F-France)​

6-7, 210lb | Age: 19 | Draft: 2024-25th (NYK)

It’ll be a pivotal summer for the former first-round pick.

He’ll look to impress new head coach Mike Brown, who presumably will be more willing to play young players. If he shows more consistency with his jumper (31.9 3pt% in G-League), he’ll be closer to being ready for NBA minutes. Unlike with others, there’s not much urgency with Dadiet, who’s in the second year of a four-year rookie contract and was expected to be a long-term project.

#9 Kevin McCullar Jr. (F-Kansas)​

6-6, 210lb | Age: 24 | Draft: 2024-56th (PHX, traded to NYK)

This will be a pivotal summer for McCullar, too, but for a different reason. He hasn’t gotten to play much basketball lately.

Since sustaining a season-ending knee injury prior to the 2024 NCAA Tournament that March, he has played a grand total of 18 games of basketball, nearly all in Westchester. With his age and injury history, he will need to make the most of this opportunity for the Knicks to roster him (reminder: he’s currently a restricted free agent).

#13 Tyler Kolek (G-Marquette)​

6-1, 195lb | Age: 24 | Draft: 2024-34th (POR, traded to NYK)

Kolek might have the easiest path to playing time of the Summer Knicks, but he also has a lot to prove. We know he can be a ballhandler and distributor, but his scoring ability was inconsistent in the few opportunities he had with the big club. Can he create his own shot consistently and show improvements on defense?

#55 Ariel Hukporti (C-Germany)​

7-0, 246lb | Age: 24 | Draft: 2024-58th (DAL, traded to NYK)

Hukporti has the least to prove of the four. He got the most playing time of the 2024 draftees last year and has a limited role as a traditional big. Can we see more of that floater he flashed at times last year? Anything more than being a rim-protecting, rebounding, traditional big is a plus.

The Projects​

#28 Dink Pate (G-Mexico City Capitanes)​

6-8, 210lb | Age: 19 | Draft: UDFA (2025)

Pate is a wiry, wing-sized guard that was once a first-round prospect, but suffered from the failure known as G-League Ignite before being screwed out of last year’s draft. He signed an Exhibit 10 deal after going undrafted.

In 2024-25 with Mexico City, another G-League team, he averaged 10.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on 40.7% from the field and 25.8% from 3. He’s insistent on his three-ball, despite it just not falling. One sign of promise is that he shot well in the preseason tip-off tournament (40.4% from 3). He’s probably worth a two-way, but he’ll have to show he’s worth it.

#46 James Nnaji (C-Nigeria)​

7-0, 250lb | Age: 20 | Draft: 2023-31st (DET, traded to CHA)

Nnaji is coming over from Europe. The Eurostash was traded from Charlotte to New York in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, and he appears willing to make it work in the States instead of a trial run like Rokas Jokubaitis in the past.

Nnaji has a big, filled-out frame and figures to be a significantly more raw Mitchell Robinson. Will he show enough to get the last roster spot or will he toil in Westchester on a two-way?

#51 Mohamed Diawara (F-France)​

6-9, 225lb | Age: 20 | Draft: 2025-51st (LAC, traded to NYK)

Diawara is the latest Knicks’ draft pick. With a bevy of options available to sign the second-round exception, there remains a significant chance he’s stashed in Europe for another year.

In 2024-25, he averaged 5.8 points for Cholet Basket in the LNB Elite. He has traits, but figures to have a lot of stuff to work on. What kind of player does he want to be? A defensive specialist? A stretch four?

Mohamed Diawara double double with 10pt 12rbd 1ast 1st 21 efficiency , in 1/4 final game vs Zaragoza @CB_officiel #Mazsportagency pic.twitter.com/mbehPpD6bU

— Olivier MAZET (@OlivierMAZET) March 8, 2025​

The Vets​

#14 MarJon Beauchamp (F-Yakima Valley)​

6-6, 199lb | Age: 24 | Draft: 2022-24th (MIL)

Beauchamp is the vet of the group. His 135 games of NBA experience across three seasons with three teams are by far the most of anyone on the roster. He spent the second half of 2024-25 on a two-way deal with the Knicks.

He figures to be the yearly “veteran who takes up shots with the kids”, despite being young himself. Think of Duane Washington Jr., the last two years. He’s still unsigned, so consider this an audition for another two-way.

#21 Anton Watson (F-Gonzaga)​

6-8, 225lb | Age: 24 | Draft: 2024-54th (BOS)

Watson played nine games with the Knicks last season after signing a two-way contract on March 4. The Idaho native was an inside-the-arc role player with Gonzaga, shooting 63.6% from 2, but just 30.7% from 3. That archetype carried over into the G-League, as his splits were eerily similar when he was with the Maine Celtics.

The Rest​

#18 Yudai Baba (G-Japan)​

6-6, 198lb | Age: 29 | Draft: UDFA (2017)

Baba is the oldest player on the team. He’s an NBL champion and B.League Finals MVP in Japan and Australia. He’s played three different stints with the G-League Texas Legends since 2019, most recently being a key player on their 2022-23 team, averaging 12.3 points and 4.9 rebounds, shooting 40.8% from 3.

He can dunk.

Japanese star Yudai Baba will play for the Knicks in Summer League, according to the Japan's National Basketball Team

6'5" Baba, 29, has played in Summer League & G League several times, the Olympics & the NBL

He's known for his "Baba Boom" dunks pic.twitter.com/7eBFs1QFOi

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 4, 2025​

#26 Jamal Bey (G-Washington)​

6-6, 210lb | Age: 24 | Draft: UDFA (2023)

Bey was a five-year player with Washington, peaking as a junior before he struggled with efficiency towards the end. He finished his collegiate career shooting just 38.2% from the field.

Bey joined the Westchester Knicks, where he’s played the last two seasons. In 33 games last year, he averaged 10.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists on 39% from the field and 36.3% from downtown.

#27 Biwali Bayles (G-Hawaii)​

6-1, 180lb | Age: 23 | Draft: UDFA (2022)

Bayles is currently playing overseas with the Sydney Comets of NBL1 East.

He played one season, 2020-21, in college with Hawaii before electing to turn pro. In that season, he scored 6.2 points a game on 43.2% from deep. The 23-year-old has won two NBL titles as a role player.

The Knicks are bringing Australian guard Biwali Bayles to Summer League, per @OlgunUluc

Bayles, 6'1 and 23 y/o, played one season of college basketball at Hawaii in 2020 before returning to Australia to win two NBL championshipspic.twitter.com/sv8IFLO1Qc

— The Strickland (@TheStrickland) June 25, 2025​

#29 Jaden Campbell (G-Samford)​

6-5, 205lb | Age: 25 | Draft: UDFA (2024)

Campbell, an Ontario native, played three seasons with the Samford Bulldogs.

In his senior year in 2023-24, he was one of the best shooters in the Southern Conference, averaging 11.3 points and 3.2 rebounds on 53.6% from the field and 47.9% from downtown on 3.5 attempts a game.

He spent 2024-25 with USK Praha in the Czech Republic.

#30 Dae Dae Grant (G-Duquesne)​

6-2, 185lb | Age: 24 | Draft: UDFA (2024)

Dae Dae was a two-time All-Atlantic 10 player and was the best player on the 2023-24 Duquesne team that made the NCAA Tournament, scoring 19 points in their historic first-round victory over BYU.

He spent this past season with CB Breogan in Liga ACB in Spain, averaging 14.2 points a night.

#31 Nick Jourdain (F-Memphis)​

6-8, 205lb | Age: 23 | Draft: UDFA (2025)

Jourdain is a Clifton, NJ native who split his five years in college with Temple and Memphis.

In 2024-25, he averaged 6.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists with 1.8 stocks as a full-time starter for the Tigers. His three-point shot was inconsistent all year, going 0-for-3 in Memphis’ first-round loss to Colorado State in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

#35 Luka Ščuka (F-Slovenia)​

6-10 | Age: 23 | Draft: UDFA (2024)

The Knicks got Luka!!! Oh, wait. Wrong one.

Of all the guys in this section, Ščuka got the most meaningful playing time in Friday’s game, playing decent minutes in the first quarter. He spent four years with Cedevita Olimpija in Slovenia, winning two titles, before spending the 2024-25 season with Löwen Braunschweig in Germany.

Welcome to the Knicks Luka Scuka

6’10 Slovenian makes New York’s Summer League roster pic.twitter.com/Zre38EtYvT

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 7, 2025​

#46 Lance Ware (F-UT Arlington)​

6-9, 223lb | Age: 24 | Draft: UDFA (2025)

Ware is the Villanova representation. Kinda.

Ware committed to Kentucky out of Camden, NJ in 2020, but struggled to find a consistent role there before transferring to Villanova for the 2023-24 season. After another disappointing campaign, he left the Power Five altogether for a full-time starting job in the WAC, where he posted averages of 13.4 points and 9.6 rebounds on 58.4% shooting for a 13-18 UT Arlington squad.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...-hukporti-mccullar-diawara-pate-scuka-dae-dae

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘That just shows what type of guys we have in our locker room’

Photo by Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images

The Summer Knicks go 0-2 so the NBA Knicks can go 82-0.

The Summer Knicks keep losing walking in Vegas, so the NBA Knicks can win run come June.

Funnily enough, New York is giving their last bunch of postseason foes a break just in case that’s enough—it looks like it is—for them to say they’ve conquered the Knicks.

Here’s what we’ve heard of late.

final pic.twitter.com/Wy1ijx7FaA

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) July 13, 2025​

Kevin McCullar Jr.​

On his injury-delayed rookie year:

“This is really my real rookie season. Last year, I just got to be able to get my feet wet a little bit.

“I love playing and I missed it for so long. Now it’s pretty much my rookie season.”

On his recovery and current mindset:

“It was a grind to get back healthy, and I’m feeling good right now.”

On making his NBA debut and scoring his first basket at the end of last season:

“It was a grind. They used to all see me when they would come for practice, I would have to do the training room stuff and have to sit on the side and just kind of cheer. So yeah, when I got to score my first basket, I think Josh (Hart) had a triple-double and broke the record, and he still gave me the basketball. So that just shows what type of guys we have in our locker room, and I was just blessed to be a part of it.”

On the adversity of his first year in the NBA:

“It’s not how you want to come into the league, but you know it’s the hand I was dealt. This is really my real rookie season. Last year, I just got to be able to get my feet wet a little bit, got to get out there and get to play. And I was able to just enjoy the game. I love playing, and I missed it for so long. Now it’s pretty much my rookie season.”

Tyler Kolek​

On approaching each season as a new chance:

“I think every season is a new opportunity. Every year is a fresh start, new guys come in. We signed some free agents, so every year there’s fresh opportunity. And it starts right here, proving myself here, proving myself in August workouts, prove myself in camp, and then throughout the season. Just keep on proving myself until you get to where you have to be and then you have to do it all over again. It never really stops.”

"I just gotta show what I can do on the court. I'm not stressed, I got experience in Europe. Just keep pushing"

–– Knicks 51st pick Mohamed Diawara on NBA Summer League pic.twitter.com/Nq7XOD9phQ

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 13, 2025​

Mohamed Diawara​

On showcasing his talents to earn a spot in the Knicks’ roster:

“I just gotta show what I can do on the court. I’m not stressed, I got experience in Europe. Just keep pushing”

Leon Rose wants a word with Mike Brown courtside pic.twitter.com/BsUFLoaRzL

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 13, 2025​

Jordan Brink (Summer Knicks Coach)​

On McCullar’s performance and toughness in Vegas:

“Kevin was solid. Got to take care of the ball a little bit better and that’s part of the learning curve for him as a primary ball handler. You see he had a mask on. He got hit in the head and then he got hit in the head again. That’s kind of how he plays. He’s a gritty player. He’s always in the mix with the physical contact. He fought through and I thought he had a pretty good game.”

On McCullar’s development and work ethic:

“Kevin’s a worker. Coming back from the injury last year he actually had a great season dealing with adversity. I thought he put his down and attacked his rehab and got healthy. And now he’s finally able to play every night. But he’s going to just continue to grow. He missed a lot of reps with his injury. So he’s going to just continue grow as he gets out there in game experience.”

On McCullar’s playmaking helping soften Tyler Kolek’s duties:

“We’re trying to mix up the looks, trying to get Tyler off the ball a little bit to alleviate some of the ball pressure he’s seeing full court. Still not doing a great job of getting to our space. That’s something we’ve got to continue to clean up. But part of the summer league experience for Kevin was to try to get him some ballhandling reps and see how he can do in that role.”

Mike Brown​

On how his coaching philosophy has evolved:

“When I was in San Antonio with David [Robinson] and Tim [Duncan], it was about playing inside out. Now fast forward to my time with Steve [in Golden State], it’s about pace and space.”

On transitioning from a paint-centric offense to the pace-and-space era:

“That’s where the game is. Like I said, if you can’t evolve, you’re going to get left behind. I feel like I’m trying to do that. Hopefully we’ll bring some of that here.”

Guerschon Yabusele​

On ditching the Nuggets for the Knicks in free agency:

“It was super fast! As soon as I received (the offer from New York), I had to give an answer within two hours.

“On the other side, we also had the one in Denver. You had to be quick not to miss the opportunity that New York represents, in a great living environment!”

On choosing the Knicks and his excitement about the team:

“When you look at New York, you can already see that the franchise has risen a lot in recent years. They are conference finalists; the collective project is visible and very interesting for me. They are a very good team that plays very well together and is playing for the title! Having this goal was something important for me, I want to play for something. Apart from that, New York is a historic team. Playing at Madison Square Garden is the dream of every NBA player, including mine! It’s a special place, I’m very happy to be there!”

I don’t know if i can invest in this Knicks summer league

— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) July 13, 2025​

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...-what-type-of-guys-we-have-in-our-locker-room

 

[New York Knicks]

Celtics 94, Knicks 81: Scenes from a Vegas summertime slugfest

Photo by Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images

It’s go time for the baby Knicks.

Summer League can often be a tantalizing time of year for NBA fans.

As the old saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Rookies often headline the biggest games, but teams get to showcase all of their up-and-coming talent, thrusting players into larger roles that might not get a chance to prove themselves at the NBA level. Sure, it passes as developmental, but Summer League is all about making your name stick. It’s less results oriented, and success (usually) isn’t measured in wins and losses; it’s about finding out who has what it takes to play at this level. First- and second-year players traditionally show up to Vegas to try and show their franchises why they’re deserving of a role now. So do some older vets who have never found their footing in the league.

While the cast of characters can vary, one thing is for sure; if you’re looking to prove yourself deserving to your front office, Summer League is a pretty darn good place to do it.

Especially when you’re buried at the bottom of ex-coach Tom Thibodeau’s bench. Tyler Kolek, Pacome Dadiet, Ariel Hukporti, and Kevin McCullar Jr. were all selected in last year’s draft. All four played few meaningful minutes over the course of the season. There’s a lot to be intrigued about all four of them; unfortunately, there’s also a lot that we don’t know.

Thow in Mohamed Diawara, the Knicks’ only selection from this year’s draft (taken 51st), intriguing UDFA signing Dink Pate, former second round pick James Nnaji,and Marjon Beauchamp, a two-way signing from last season, and there’s a lot of reasons to keep tabs on this summer’s squad.

Well, time to prove yourselves. After a mostly disappointing opening game against the Pistons on Friday, one in which the Knicks shot 6-27 from downtown, New York looked to rebound against the Boston Celtics this evening.

Ultimately, they did not, losing by the score of 94 to 81, but there were a lot of takeaways from tonight’s game.

There was good. There was bad. And there was definitely ugly.

The good:

Kevin McCullar Jr.’s scoring

McCullar shined as a scorer in 28 minutes of play, shooting 10-15 from the field and going 9-10 from the charity stripe. Don’t let his six turnovers and eight (!!!) fouls fool you; he had it going tonight.

Kevin McCullar Jr. dropped 30 on 10-15 FGM for the @nyknicks in #NBA2KSummerLeague action pic.twitter.com/6iiId3sqZn

— NBA (@NBA) July 13, 2025​

You’ll see he had the majority of his points generated by driving to the rim, and his finishing ability and high motor were evident all game. After missing most of last season (including last year’s Summer League), it’ll be interesting to see if McCullar can make his mark with the parent club this season on a two-way deal.

Ariel Hukporti’s paint presence

Hukporti showed some real flashes his rookie year with New York, and today he showed why he could really contribute this year to the Knicks.

Watch this:

Ariel Hukporti Celtics in 21 MINS:

9 PTS (2-4 FG, 5-6 FT)
13 REB (6 OREB)
3 BLK
2 STL
1 AST pic.twitter.com/hfAvJMV7PV

— NBL Next Stars (@NBLNextStars) July 14, 2025​

Huk’s rebounding, rim protecting, and hard-set screens all looked NBA level today. With a year under his belt, new coach Mike Brown might be inclined to give him consistent minutes if he can continue to improve.

The bad

Tyler Kolek’s… everything

All of New York is rooting for Kolek to succeed after watching him dominate the Big East with Marquette for three years. He’s a fan favorite, and Coach Thibs’ reluctance to play him only made Kolek more endearing to the fanbase. Unfortunately, he turned in his second straight dud of Summer League, and what a stinker it was. 3 points on 1-13 shooting. 4 assists. 4 turnovers. Yikes. Let’s just forget this one ever happened.

MarJon Beauchamp’s offense

For a guy expected to make his mark at the NBA level as a scorer, 0 points on 0-5 from the field in 16 minutes of play just won’t cut it. Beauchamp looked more confident in Thursday’s matchup against the Pistons; let’s see if he can right the ship on Tuesday against the Nets.

The ugly

Injuries

This is a header you never want to see on a Summer League post.

James Nnaji left the game with lower back tightness. Pacome Dadiet left the game with left foot soreness. Kevin McCullar took an absolute shot to the face while wearing a protective mask.

Let’s err on the right side of healthy, please. Tread carefully, folks.

As stated, your Summer League Knicks next appear on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. Let’s hope for health and a game to walk away inspired by.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...ks-81-scenes-from-a-vegas-summertime-slugfest

 

[New York Knicks]

Updates on who the Knicks are targeting with final veteran minimum contract

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Would you rather them bring Shamet back or take a chance on Simmons?

As Michael Zeno wrote last week, Guerschon Yabusele taking less than the taxpayer mid-level exception has put the Knicks in a position where they have one more veteran minimum contract available to help fill out their roster. And since that report, there’s been a myriad of names being thrown around. Torrey Craig, Alec Burks, Caleb Houstan, Thomas Bryant, Mo Bamba, and more have all garnered some noise as potential options.

But earlier today, Ian Begley of SNY keyed in on a few names in particular. The long-trusted Knicks insider said, “Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook are among the lead guards still on the market. Teams are wondering if Washington will agree to a buyout with veteran guard Marcus Smart.”

Those three names seem somewhat unlikely for different reasons, though. Paul is believed to be seeking a starting job to conclude what he recently alluded to would be his last season. Westbrook and the Knicks were said to have some mutual interest earlier in the offseason, but with New York already having Jordan Clarkson and Deuce McBride off the bench, it seems unlikely that he’d be given the kind of playing time he’d be happy with. As far as Smart goes, he hasn’t been the same player since leaving Boston, and he, like Westbrook, is likely looking for a situation where he can play more and improve his stock going forward.

There are two more intriguing names that Begley mentioned, though. He mentioned that former Brooklyn Net Ben Simmons was an option. Simmons is rumored to be looking for more than just a minimum deal, but Begley reported that the two sides have continued to touch base. This could be a sign that if there aren’t any other enticing options, Simmons could be open to taking the minimum to play for a contending team, where he would certainly have a decent role.

The New York Knicks have continued to touch base with Ben Simmons, per @IanBegley

“Who might the Knicks sign with that veteran’s minimum deal? They have continued to touch base with Ben Simmons during the free agency period. I’m sure they have touched base with other vets as… pic.twitter.com/QGta5S4pog

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 15, 2025​

The injury-plagued former number one pick has had plenty of ups and downs throughout his career, but he showed some flashes of still being a productive player last season. In 33 games as a Net, he averaged 6.2PPG, 6.9APG, and 5.2RPG. And while his role and playing time took a significant hit when he became a Clipper, he still had several nice moments.

Obviously, the injuries and complete lack of shooting will always be a concern with Simmons, but his on-ball playmaking, rebounding, and defensive versatility could prove to be valuable, especially on a Knicks team where he wouldn’t be asked to do too much.

That being said, Begley also noted that the team views a reunion with Landry Shamet as a possibility, with Shamet himself remaining open to a return as well. Shamet started off the season slowly as he was working himself back from a shoulder injury, but he eventually won over the fanbase with his tenacious defense, connective play on offense, and occasional clutch three. With a full season as a Knick under his belt, seeing what Shamet could do with a fully healthy season could end up proving to be the best decision.

Regardless of which way the Knicks go, though, it’s clear that New York still has plenty of options. They may not necessarily be the kind of options that will change the dynamic of this team or change the ceiling of this team. But with guys like Shamet and Simmons reportedly being interested in being a Knick, there’s a good chance that the Knicks will be able to add another solid rotational piece before the season begins.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...targeting-with-final-veteran-minimum-contract

 

[New York Knicks]

SummerKnicks Game Preview: Knicks vs. Nets, July 15, 2025

Photo by Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images

Time to show some progress....

The New York Knicks are back in action tonight as they take on the Brooklyn Nets* in their third Summer League game. Tip off will be at 6 PM EDT on ESPN2.

After getting outmuscled by Charles Bassey and the Celtics in a 94–81 loss, the Knicks are looking to bounce-back. Kevin McCullar Jr. was a bright spot against Boston, dropping 30 points and making the most of limitless fouls (he logged eight). We’ll be watching to see if he can keep up that scoring punch tonight. Otherwise, Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Kolek couldn’t get going, and the frontcourt didn’t do much to slow down Boston’s interior attack.

Ariel Hukporti and James Nnaji should have opportunities to show their stuff today. Brooklyn* isn’t loaded up front, but they’ve got athleticism and shooters—expect them to push the pace and test New York’s transition defense.

Assistant coach Jordan Brink is again running the show on the sidelines. Wins don’t mean much in Summer League, but this is a good opportunity for the Knicks to show some cohesion under pressure. New head coach Mike Brown has been taking in the games, watching to see who might contribute during the regular season. Elsewhere, Marcus Smart rides an exercise bike and awaits a phone call from his agent. . . .

DETAILS:​

Who: New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets*

When: Tuesday, July 15, 6:00 PM ET

Where: Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas

Watch: ESPN2, NBA TV

*Editor’s Note: Woops. They’re playing the Nets, not the Hornets.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...s-game-preview-knicks-vs-hornets-july-15-2025

 

[New York Knicks]

Tyler Kolek and Mohamed Diawara impressed in SummerKnicks win

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

After two brutal games, two young guys with a lot to prove turned heads on Tuesday.

The first two games of NBA Summer League were... bad, to say the least, for the Knicks.

Not only did they lose both games to the Pistons and Celtics by a combined 31 points and shot a combined 12-for-64 from deep, but they also lost Kevin McCullar Jr. and Pacome Dadiet to injury, with both 2024 draftees missing the Nets game, and their statuses are unknown going forward.

It was an especially rough start for second-year point guard Tyler Kolek, who had just 13 points and 12 assists combined through two games, going 5-for-24 from the field and 0-for-11 from deep with nine turnovers. It was a far cry from his inspiring performance in Vegas last summer and even his spotty minutes throughout his rookie year.

Kolek responded to two ghastly outings by going out against a Nets team with five first-round picks and dropping 23 points in the first half. If not for some horrid shooting by his teammates, he would’ve flirted with a 25-point double-double when the dust settled. A jumper that badly let him down through two games figured itself out in this one, cashing five triples in the first half:

TYLER KOLEK PUTTING ON A SHOW

Kolek dropped 23 PTS at the half pic.twitter.com/nrAk5EO4Di

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 15, 2025​

On the third 3-pointer, Kolek brought the ball up, dished it off, and stayed in motion, eventually rotating to the corner where he was found for an open look by MarJon Beauchamp. Very quick trigger. Most of Kolek’s value to the Knicks would be as a ballhandler, but if he were able to show more off the ball, it would pay dividends.

One of my favorite plays from yesterday's game where Kolek essentially assists himself

To me offense is about triggers and how to get the defense in rotation. In this instance the pass to the corner due to the low man's help triggers a rotation

The rest is easy pic.twitter.com/lz5GXruX0H

— Shax (@ShaxNBA) July 16, 2025​

Kolek also got in the passing lane early and often, notching four steals and turning one into a dime and another into a nifty top-and-start layup:

Remember: nothing in the rules state how quickly or slowly you must take your legal 2 steps after the gather. Nothing in rules says it's illegal if that back foot drags during those 2 steps. As long as Kolek releases it before left foot comes down: LEGAL. (3 second rule applies) pic.twitter.com/pjv4tIld9s

— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) July 16, 2025​

His assist-to-turnover ratio is still extremely shoddy, but he improved massively from the first two games. While he tried to fit passes in tight lanes to guys way too often who weren’t expecting to ball in the first two games, he was much more calm and composed, and showed out his biggest strength despite only logging four assists due to numerous misses and plays like these that were cut short due to fouls:

This is the good stuff from Kolek.

1 - Sells the drive to get the bigs hands to drop. Difficult to slide with both hands high. Now he has the window to delivery the corner skip.

2 - The pound dribble creates the energy that allows him to throw a high velocity pass. pic.twitter.com/7WLwX8CGNB

— DJ Zullo (@DJAceNBA) July 16, 2025​

While Kolek showed out on the statsheet, another young guy showed out without a gaudy box score.

Mohamed Diawara, selected with the No. 51 pick out of France in last month’s draft, only had 7 points and 4 rebounds in 26 minutes. It was nothing special, but it was the little things that opened eyes.

Diawara is 6’9” 225 with a 7’4” wingspan. Not many players are endowed with the traits of Diawara, which is what makes him an intriguing player if he’s able to put it together. Against the Nets, he handled the ball a decent bit, a rarity for a player of his size. He seems more comfortable on plays like this than many other forwards:

diawara straight to the rack pic.twitter.com/uhGZ8gT9Ly

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) July 15, 2025​

That’s not the only thing he can do with the ball in his hands. He can dish some dimes:

This not like type crazy at 6’10 with a 7’4 wingspan?
pic.twitter.com/6aeVk2XXUw

— Teg (@IQfor3) July 15, 2025​

It’s one thing to have his athleticism and size, but to be able to also occasionally flash stuff like this tells you that there is a really good player in there if developed, probably.

Me7o Diawara jab step J#Knicks pic.twitter.com/9M06VKfv2i

— KNICKS | THE STREETS ARE BUZZING® (@KNICKSBUZZ) July 15, 2025​

It felt like Diawara would be a stash candidate after summer league when he was drafted, but he genuinely might be closer to something playable than we could’ve expected. At the very least, he should grab one of the three two-way contracts that the Knicks have open and spend the year playing in Westchester. He’s still super raw and needs to work on consistency and, frankly, learning how to use his frame on both ends of the floor. That said, the Knicks might have found something here.

#DiawaraFC

pic.twitter.com/CbUnmQ6NGL

— Teg (@IQfor3) July 16, 2025​

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...-mohamed-diawara-nba-summer-league-draft-nets

 

[New York Knicks]

Exclusive report from the Knicks’ Summer League win over Brooklyn

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

Knicks edge Nets in Summer League thriller behind Kolek and Beauchamp

The New York Knicks are finally on the board in Las Vegas. In their third outing of the 2025 NBA Summer League, the Knicks battled their crosstown rivals, the Brooklyn Nets, and came away with a hard-fought 97–93 win. Posting and Toasting’s Shara Taylor was on the scene at UNLV’s Cox Pavilion to speak with players and coaches following the game.

In her video, you’ll hear from Summer League Head Coach Jordan Brink, Knicks back-up guard Tyler Kolek, and NBA veteran Drew Timme as they break down the action. Kolek and MarJon Beauchamp each dropped 25 points to lead the Knicks, who bounced back after opening the Summer League with two losses.

Watch the full postgame report below:

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...om-the-knicks-summer-league-win-over-brooklyn

 

[New York Knicks]

Who Really Wore It Best? #11 Jalen Brunson vs. #23 Marcus Camby

Captain Clutch vs. The Camby Man

We couldn’t have wrapped up Round 1 in more dramatic fashion. Jerry Lucas narrowly edged out Charles Oakley in the most-voted-on matchup of the first round. The final margin? Just three votes in favor of Lucas.

To keep things moving, we’re handing out a few default wins where it makes sense. If anyone wants to argue that Clarence Weatherspoon wore a Knicks jersey better than Larry Johnson, I’m all ears, but let’s be honest, we can save the digital ink and give that one to LJ. Same goes for John Starks vs. Kurt Thomas. Respect to Kurt, but c’mon, he’s not taking down Starks.

To kick round two off, we couldn’t have two more polar opposites. I have a feeling which way this one is going to go, but I’ll keep my fingertips closed not to sway any votes.

Let Round 2 commence. Please remember the rules. The debate isn’t about who had the better overall career or who was a better player. The debate is who wore the Knicks blue and orange better during their time with the team only.

Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

#11 Jalen Brunson — In Round 1, Brunson was pitted against #9 Richie Guerin. The segment ran in March, and it was a pretty easy victory for the current Knicks captain. Since then, Brunson has only further solidified his legacy as one of the greatest Knicks in team history. “Captain Clutch” led New York to a Game 7 appearance in this year’s Eastern Conference Finals and continues to shine as the team’s cornerstone. Over his first three seasons with the Knicks, Brunson has averaged 26.4 points and 6.7 assists per game while shooting just under 40% from beyond the arc. His performance has earned him two All-Star selections, two All-NBA Second Team honors, and two top-10 finishes in MVP voting. His celebrity has grown so big that he has even made the crossover into the WWE universe by becoming a playable character in this year’s WWE 2k25.

#23 Marcus Camby — In 1998, the Knicks shook things up on draft day, shipping fan-favorite enforcer Charles Oakley and the draft rights to Sean Marks to the Raptors in exchange for Marcus Camby. It was a clear signal: the Knicks were ready to get younger and faster, moving on from muscle to mobility. Enter Camby, 6’11”, built like a gazelle, and ready to run. He brought a totally different vibe from Oakley’s bruising, no-nonsense presence. Camby knew the stakes and didn’t try to pretend he was a direct replacement: “No one can replace Oak. He was the heart, soul, and team leader. I play different positions. I bring versatility. We’ll take it one day at a time and focus on winning, that’s what I’m about.” Respectful, sure, but confident. And he backed it up.

Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images

During the first two years of his initial run with the Knicks, Marcus Camby mostly played in the shadow of franchise legend Patrick Ewing. But when Ewing went down with a season-ending Achilles injury during the 1999 playoffs, Camby didn’t blink. He stepped up big time. Teaming with Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell, the trio lit a spark under the roster and redefined the team’s identity on the fly. Their grit, speed, and swagger carried the Knicks on a Cinderella run for the ages, making history as the first No. 8 seed to ever crash the NBA Finals.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...e-it-best-11-jalen-brunson-vs-23-marcus-camby

 

[New York Knicks]

SummerKnicks Game Preview: Knicks vs. Pacers, July 17, 2025

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

Kolek, Beauchamp look to build momentum and confidence

The SummerKnicks will try to make it two straight in Las Vegas when they face the Indiana Pacers today. Both teams enter at 1–2, looking to finish Summer League on a stronger note. Tip-off’s at 4:30 p.m. ET.

New York is coming off a 97–93 win over the Brooklyn Nets, their first of the tournament. Tyler Kolek had his best showing yet, scoring 25 points and showing more assertiveness as a lead guard. MarJon Beauchamp also added 25, demonstrating the scoring upside that could earn him a longer look. Anton Watson continues to contribute as a steady, low-usage role player.

Indiana features Johnny Furphy, a wing averaging 11 points on 52% shooting. With an expanded role expected, he could be a key factor in this one.

The Knicks will try to control tempo and continue improving on defense. The question is whether Kolek and Beauchamp can deliver consistent performances. With roster spots in flux—and New York’s first chance to avenge their ECF loss to Indiana—this game is perhaps not so inconsequential after all. . . .

DETAILS​

• Date: Thursday, July 17
• Time: 4:30 p.m. EST
• Venue: Thomas & Mack Center
• How to Watch: ESPN2

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...ks-game-preview-knicks-vs-pacers-july-17-2025

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Media Roundup: Hart Surgery, Cap Math, and Deuce Drops a Book

Fingers, finances, and friendship, aggregated for your pleasure.

From surgical updates to salary cap squeezes to storytime with Deuce, things are happening for the Knicks both on and off the court. Here’s a quick roundup of the recent news.

Josh Hart Undergoes Finger Surgery​

Josh Hart underwent a minor procedure on his right ring finger this week to address an injury from the Knicks’ playoff run. The team expects him back later this summer, with no impact on his availability for the 2025–26 season.

Josh Hart underwent a procedure to his right ring finger due to an injury sustained in the playoffs. He will resume basketball activities later in the summer.

— NY Knicks PR (@NY_KnicksPR) July 16, 2025​

That’s good news. Hart remains one of New York’s most indispensable players. He’s the Knicks’ ironman and Swiss Army knife who guarded multiple positions, crashed the boards, and contributed enough offense to be a double-double / triple-double machine. His energy and versatility are central to how this team operates.

Hart started all 77 games last season, averaging 37.6 minutes, the second-most in the league. He posted career-highs in rebounds (9.6) and assists (5.9), alongside 13.6 points and 1.5 steals. In the playoffs, he averaged 11.6 points across 18 games, helping the Knicks reach their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2000.

Soldiering on through injury isn’t new for Josh. Hart played through abdominal pain the season before and rarely misses time. His toughness and consistency are why the Knicks committed four years and $80.9 million to him, and why he’s still a critical piece heading into year three in New York.

With Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby in place, the Knicks are contenders. Hart is a necessary glue guy piece. And while new head coach Mike Brown may change the schemes, Hart’s two-way game fits right in.

The Knicks are likely to benefit from injuries elsewhere in the East, but their own health and cohesion may decide how far they go. Our fingers are crossed that Hart heals up fast and without further issue.

Cap Crunch Coming?​

In a recent piece for ESPN, capologist Bobby Marks laid out just how punishing the NBA’s second apron has become. Designed to rein in big spenders, the new CBA rules strip teams over the threshold of key tools, like aggregating salaries in trades, using most exceptions, or trading future firsts.

Marks points to recent history: blockbuster moves like the Suns landing Durant and Beal or Boston’s Holiday–Porzingis pivot. Two years later, most of those rosters have already unraveled.

The Knicks aren’t over the second apron yet, but they’re playing close. For the second straight summer, the Knicks are flirting with the second apron. Last year’s Towns trade and this summer’s Guerschon Yabusele’s partial taxpayer midlevel deal hard-capped the team, yet they’re still $52 million under next season’s apron, thanks largely to Jalen Brunson taking a $12 million discount.

That cushion gives New York room to offer Mikal Bridges a four-year, $156.1 million extension, but there’s a ripple effect. A new deal for Bridges starting at $34.8 million could put Mitchell Robinson on the chopping block. Like Bridges, Mitch is eligible for a four-year extension and becomes a free agent if unsigned by June of 2026.

Keeping the core intact is doable, but it won’t be painless. Read Marks’ full article here.

New Dad Deuce McBride Drops Debut Children’s Book​

Miles “Deuce” McBride is doing good stuff off the court. The pride of the Knicks second unit recently released his first children’s book, Deuce: The Champion of Friendship, in June 2025. Aimed at readers aged 7–11, the 40-page story follows Deuce, his friend Lily, and a shy new kid named Ravi navigating friendship and inclusion through pickup hoops and a school tournament.

The book, listed at $17 on Amazon, highlights themes like empathy, teamwork, and standing up for others.

The release came shortly after McBride and his girlfriend, Ana Zortea (Brazilian model, content creator, and former competitive swimmer), welcomed their daughter, Ace. Deuce appeared on the Today Show and shared that the idea was inspired by lessons learned on the court and a desire to someday read the book to his daughter. Watch his appearance here.

On July 8, McBride announced a signed jersey giveaway on X. Might not be too late to throw your pic into the mix:

Signed jersey giveaway

Reply with a photo of you holding my book for a chance to win!!https://t.co/tAVnoboz1u pic.twitter.com/W3PV9lPb1h

— M11es McBride (@deucemcb11) July 8, 2025​

Congratulations, Deuce! Go Knicks.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...-hart-surgery-cap-math-and-deuce-drops-a-book

 

[New York Knicks]

What’s Delaying Mikal Bridges’ Knicks Extension?

Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

One Buck or a few million bucks?

The New York Knicks find themselves in a holding pattern. Mikal Bridges, one of their newest core players, is eligible for a contract extension, yet no deal has been struck. It’s not a matter of value; the Knicks gave up five first-round picks (or five very promising varsity players) to acquire him. So what’s the holdup?

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the delay has less to do with contract details and more to do with a superstar 800 miles away. Like the rest of the league, the Knicks are closely monitoring the situation in Milwaukee, waiting to see what happens with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Begley notes that once a player signs an extension, they can’t be traded for six months. Locking in Bridges now would remove him from any potential Giannis deal until deep into the season. “Until the Giannis stuff is fully settled—and I don’t think it’s fully settled yet—teams continue to plan with that in the back of their minds,” Begley said on The Putback. “When [Bridges] does extend, I think that would tell you Giannis is put to bed.”

The core issue is flexibility. Leon Rose & Co. aren’t ready to close the door on a franchise-altering move just yet. New York almost certainly wants to keep Mikal, but if a generational player like Giannis becomes available, they’ll need elite trade assets. You can bet that Bridges or OG Anunoby would be at the center of those talks.

In one scenario, Milwaukee holds on to Giannis, or the Knicks bow out of the chase, clearing the way for a Bridges extension before the season starts. At just under $25 million for next year, he’s currently a bargain, and a proactive deal would signal stability and commitment.

But if the Giannis watch drags into the fall or winter, delaying the extension could become a locker room issue. Bridges is a talented player who knows his worth. Holding off may be a smart strategy, but it risks creating locker room tension.

Imagine Giannis becomes available in November and Bridges has already been extended, removing him from the trade table until spring. That kind of misstep could cost New York a shot at a title.

Another possible reason for the delay: perhaps the new head coach, Mike Brown, has mixed thoughts about the 3&D wing.

Bridges was part of a championship-winning core at Villanova that included staple Knicks Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. It was generally understood that Jalen wanted to reunite, and Leon was willing to overpay to make that happen last summer.

But playing for coach Tom Thibodeau proved less than ideal for Mikal. The guard was tasked with difficult defensive assignments and played a career-high 37 minutes per game.

Bridges publicly stated that he asked Tom Thibodeau to “back off a bit on the starters’ minutes,” and that it’s tough physically to play so many minutes. “Sometimes it’s not fun on the body,” Bridges explained. He added that keeping starters on the floor for 47 or 48 minutes wasn’t necessary because “we have a lot of good guys on this team that can take away minutes, which helps the defense, helps the offense, helps tired bodies…It helps just keeping fresh bodies out there.”

Bridges is renowned for having never missed a game in his career. Still, the Ironman seemed to feel the stress last season—or so one can deduce from his decision to speak out publicly. “You never really get used to the workload. Your body is going to feel how it is every year. But I’ve been a part of it for a while, knowing how to take care of my body through those situations and just trying to do as much as I can.”

At recent summer league games, Bridges and Brown were photographed, smiling side-by-side as they rooted for the SummerKnicks. Given the busy schedules of professional athletes and coaches, let’s assume that this time together was not a happenstance encounter but intentionally arranged: a new coach and one of his starters, having a meeting of the minds, feeling each other out, discussing philosophies. Almost like an audition.

It presents a slew of speculations. Maybe Bridges left Las Vegas thinking that extending for a Mike Brown-coached team might not be his preferred course after all. Maybe Brown left Sin City feeling unconvinced that their visions align. Maybe the two guys came away with such affection for each other that they want to spend their careers together. Perhaps the extension delay has to do with a superstar Buck, and perhaps it doesn’t. It could simply be that the front office and Mikal’s camp are a few million bucks apart.

Go Knicks.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/2025/7/19/24470448/whats-delaying-mikal-bridges-knicks-extension

 

[New York Knicks]

Getting to know the Knicks’ newest assistant coach, Riccardo Fois

Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images

Italy born, New York bound.

While new head coach Mike Brown and the New York Knicks have yet to fully fill out the coaching staff, New York made the first hire of Brown’s tenure earlier this week when it was announced that the Knicks would be adding player development coach Riccardo Fois to Brown’s staff.

Fois, who worked with Brown in Sacramento, is just 38 years old, but has had years of experience around the game.

The Italian-born 6’2” coach was a part of the Italian National U-16 team in 2003, and moved to the United States in the late 2000s and played a season of Division I basketball at Pepperdine University, where he was named to the WCC Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

Just a few years after leaving Pepperdine, he came back in 2012, where he served as a graduate assistant for the men’s team until 2014. He then spent five years at Gonzaga, where he eventually got promoted to the Director of Analytics for the men’s team, and handled video breakdowns, evaluated player analytics, and helped out with day-to-day operations. During his tenure there, Gonzaga made the Sweet 16 in all five years and made the program’s first-ever Final Four in 2017.

In the midst of his time at Gonzaga, the well-respected and very accomplished Mark Few, who was, and still is, the coach of Gonzaga, brought on Fois to work with him as the video coordinator for the United States national team that took home third place at the 2015 Pan American Games.

After a couple of years, Fois joined Monty Williams’ staff on the Phoenix Suns, where he worked as the team’s director of player development. Fois was not only a part of the Suns’ 2021 Finals run, but he also developed a close relationship with current Knicks player Mikal Bridges. When the forward was asked about Fois, Bridges said of his assistant coach, “Riccardo is one of the hardest working people I know. All he cares about is helping people improve and winning.” Bridges went on to add, “He helped me a lot to develop my game and never let me feel too comfortable.”

After his two-year stint in the NBA, Fois returned to the college game. He signed on to be an assistant coach for Tommy Lloyd at the University of Arizona, where he helped lead the team to two Pac-12 championships in three seasons.

And before being hired by the Knicks just a few days ago, his last job, as mentioned earlier, was as an assistant under Brown in Sacramento.

Despite being in different roles and hopping back and forth between the NBA and college, Fois comes across as a hard-working and respected coach. He’s learned under some very notable and successful coaches, and has played a hand in developing solid players like Domantas Sabonis, Rui Hachimura, and Zach Collins at Gonzaga, as well as guys like Benedict Mathurin at Arizona, and the Knicks’ very own Bridges during his time at Phoenix.

New York has plenty of veterans who may not need too much individual coaching, but they have their share of younger players who could certainly benefit from Fois. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of magic he can work with players like Deuce McBride, Tyler Kolek, Pacome Dadiet, Ariel Hukporti, Mohamed Diawara, Kevin McCullar Jr., and Dink Pate.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...e-knicks-newest-assistant-coach-riccardo-fois

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘He’s a very skilled player. He does a little bit of everything’

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

We all knew the Knicks would eventually win a Summer League game.

And if that win had to come at a particular time, it was obvious it was going to happen against the Nets.

Here are some quotes straight outta Vegas.

Overtime: "If you could dunk on any historical figure who would you pick?"

KAT: "That would be fire to get a poster on Jesus"

"That would be such a crazy flex"

"Dunk on the Messiah for real"pic.twitter.com/Uqfkq9JWe7

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 17, 2025​

Jordan Brink (Summer Knicks Coach)​

On Mohamed Diawara’s all-around impact during Summer League:

“Yeah, I’ve been really impressed with Mohamed. His ability to rebound and run, to push off misses and makes. I thought he was really solid tonight. Pretty active defensively still learning the defensive system, low man principles. [He was a] plus two. Other than the guys we put in at the end, he was our only positive. So he’s been impressive. Continue to want him to shoot open looks and be aggressive to find his shot.”

On the Knicks experimenting with Diawara in different roles:

“We’re just trying to give him different looks. A lot of this is like, let’s see what we’ve got. And let’s put him in different positions and try to help him succeed, see if we can find something … His ability to rebound and run has been impressive, initiating offense.”

On Ariel Hukporti understanding and embracing his role:

“He’s a very skilled player. He does a little bit of everything. He understands his role. He’s not going to get a lot of touches to score. He knows that he needs to set screens, roll hard, rebound, take care of the ball when we do give him situations to pass. But he knows that that’s his role and he embraces it.”

On Tyler Kolek bouncing back after a rough start:

“Yeah. He struggled the first two games. He’d be the first to tell you that. But he hasn’t varied his work ethic. He’s been watching film, trying to get better. It was only a matter of time for him to play a little bit better. I’m really happy for him because he’s his biggest critic. He hasn’t played up to his standard so far. So really happy for him.”

Josh Hart on IG: pic.twitter.com/BameOisa21

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 16, 2025​

Mohamed Diawara​

On the Knicks staff giving players chances to show their skills:

“Yeah, I feel like the coaching staff is doing a great job [of] wanting to see [what] everybody can do on the court. So everybody gets a chance and today that was me. I feel like I have more opportunity to showcase my skills on the court.”

On developing his game beyond defense:

“I think I’m a good defender. But I feel like I’ve got more to my game, have to work more on my game and be a better overall basketball player who can do everything on the court.”

On his biggest adjustment after arriving in the U.S.:

“I feel like my biggest struggle was the three-point line. It’s a big difference. My first shot was an airball at first, now I feel like I did good and I can really show here.”

“First play of the game I shot the 3, I was right by the bench & the guy said ‘Hell no’ or something…Bounced & went in and I said something"

– Tyler Kolek on getting his swagger back…

…thanks to Nets rookie Danny Wolf: pic.twitter.com/6kghHRKOxK

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 16, 2025​

Tyler Kolek​

On responding to early trash talk and finding rhythm:

“First play of the game actually I shot the three and I was right by the bench and the guy said, ‘Hell no’ or something like that. It hit the front rim. I thought it went in. I looked then it bounced and went in and then I said something. Just having that [attitude] to me, having fun with it, talking whatever to the bench, to the crowd, whoever it is. Just getting myself going a little bit is definitely [something] that I pride myself on.”

On using Summer League to prove himself and regain swagger:

“It was good. I was looking forward to Summer League all year, since the season ended, grinding, working toward that. Because I felt like that was the next step, take that next jump. Maybe putting a little too much pressure on myself. Just get back out there, get back to having fun. This game, I feel like that’s the bottom line. When I’m playing my best, I have that swagger.”

On embracing every opportunity to prove himself:

“Just coming out every day is a proving ground. Every day in the facility, in practice, every chance you step on the NBA floor, every chance you step on the Summer League floor. Any chance I get trying to prove myself to whoever is watching.”

On building chemistry with new teammates:

“We had two practices before this, Monday, Tuesday, and we flew out Wednesday. Practicing Thursday and played Friday. Some of these guys you never played with before and you know, like anything, you’ve just got to figure it out. It takes time and I feel like today was a step in the right direction.”

On tuning out pressure during Summer League:

“I just kind of had to put that pressure aside. It was unwarranted pressure. It wasn’t like the world’s ending. This is Summer League. We’re out here. We’re having fun, we’re hooping. We’re in Las Vegas. It’s a fun city. So you kind of just got to put that stuff to the side. Go out there and hoop and have fun.”

Miles McBride talks about his new book “Duece: The Champion of Friendship”, Mike Brown, Jordan Clarkson, NYC Basketball Kids camp (IG/TikTok @nycbasketballkids) & more pic.twitter.com/ecffl7qn3M

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 16, 2025​

Ian Begley​

On why Mikal Bridges hasn’t been extended yet:

“With the Knicks and all the other teams kind of keeping an eye on Milwaukee and what may or may not happen there, I think one of the reasons why he (Bridges) has not been extended yet is because once you extend him, you cannot trade him for six months. And I think until the Giannis stuff is fully settled, and I don’t think it’s fully settled yet, as much as I’m sure Bucks fans hate to hear that because I would hate to hear that if I was a Bucks fan, but I don’t think it’s fully settled yet.”

On the connection between Bridges’ extension and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s availability:

“And so as teams continue to keep an eye on that, continue to at least plan with that somewhere in the back of their mind, I think that’s why you haven’t seen Bridges extended yet. When he does extend, I think that would tell you Giannis is put to bed, is off the table in a sense.”

Miles McBride​

On first impressions of new Knicks coach Mike Brown:

“We’re excited. I feel like the relationship he’s already started to build with me and my other teammates has just been amazing. Already reaching out to us. It’s just introductions, so nothing huge about basketball yet, but it’s going to be exciting.”

(1995) Stephon Marbury and Sebastian Telfair in Coney Island. pic.twitter.com/0PIjbI9Uep

— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) July 15, 2025​

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/2025/7/17/24468119/knicks-bulletin-vvvvv