The 2024 NBA Draft wrapped up on Thursday, and the New York Knicks walked away with four new additions. Originally supposed to pick at No. 24, No. 25 and No. 38 overall, a series of trades made by the Knicks front office changed their draft order to No. 25, No. 34, No. 56, and No. 58 overall.
Making four selections, here’s a look at how the Knicks graded out with each one of their picks in this year’s draft.
Grading the Knicks’ 2024 NBA Draft Selections:
Round 1, Pick 25: F Pacome Dadiet, France
The 18-year-old Dadiet offers an intriguing skill set as a 6-foot-8 two-way wing. After spending last season in Germany, Dadiet has expressed a desire to play in the NBA next season. However, for the Knicks, this pick is likely a long-term draft-and-stash pick. Dadiet won’t crack the Knicks rotation if he were to come over to the NBA next season, making it increasingly likely he stays overseas to develop further. Nonetheless, his skill set is mature for his age and Dadiet could one day have an impact at the next level. Grade: B-
Round 2, Pick 34: G Tyler Kolek, Marquette
In what may be the steal of the draft, the Knicks got one of the best values of the night with their selection of Kolek. New York traded up with the Portland Trailblazers to scoop up the two-time NCAA All-American after he slipped to the second round. Kolek led the NCAA in assists last season, and brings a crafty and shrewd game similar to that of Jalen Brunson. The 23-year-old has a chance to make an impact right away, and will be competing for minutes in New York’s backcourt off the bench. Grade: A
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Round 2, Pick 56: F Kevin McCullar Jr., Kansas
Another potential draft steal, McCullar slipped all the way down to No. 56 despite initial top-40 projections. McCullar broke out as a star in his final season with the Kansas Jayhawks, averaging 18.3 points per game and shooting a career-high 33% from three-point range. McCullar has a reputation for high-octane intensity on the glass and on the defensive end, averaging 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game in his five-year college career. McCullar may not crack the Knicks rotation right away, but nonetheless presents great value this late in the draft. Grade: A-
Round 2, Pick 58: C Ariel Hukporti, Germany
The last pick of the draft, Hukporti is a 7-foot, 245 pound big man who brings high energy with ferocious dunks in the open floor, and as a lob threat. Hukporti played in Australia’s NBL last season, to the tune of 8.4 points and seven rebounds per game. The 22-year-old has displayed potential as a rim protector with his shot-blocking prowess. Hukporti figures to be a third, or fourth-string center for the Knicks, similar to the role Jericho Sims has played in recent years. Grade: C+
The Knicks will look build off of this draft and take their momentum into the rest of the offseason. New York has put the league on notice with their recent additions, and could be building something special ahead of next season.