5 Biggest Questions for the Knicks Heading into Summer League

With Summer League tipping off, the New York Knicks have several intriguing storylines to follow. From young prospects fighting for roster spots to recent draftees looking to prove their worth, this stretch of games offers a valuable preview of who might be ready to contribute in the upcoming season. Here are five of the biggest questions facing the Knicks heading into Summer League:

Dink Pate, a former five-star recruit out of Dallas, Texas, was once projected as a first-round pick but struggled to meet expectations during his time with the G League Ignite and Mexico City Capitanes, ultimately going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. 

During his G League stints and the pre-draft process, scouts were intrigued by Pate, especially with his size, athleticism, and playmaking ability for a wing. However, concerns about his shooting inconsistencies, decision-making, and defensive awareness, combined with a lack of production, caused him to go undrafted. 

That said, the Knicks likely see something in Pate that others have overlooked. With his physical tools and upside, he could develop into a valuable two-way player if given the right coaching and opportunity. This Summer League with New York will be his first real chance to prove that he can translate his raw potential into NBA readiness. Knicks fans should be watching closely to see if he can become the hidden gem many hope he can be.

Outside of Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson, New York currently doesn't have another true floor general on the roster, which leaves the door open for 2024 second-round pick Tyler Kolek to take charge of the second unit. Kolek is highly regarded within the organization, as shown by the team giving him the most guaranteed money ever for a second-round draft pick in NBA history.

This past season, Kolek played limited minutes, but in several games where he saw extended action, he showed flashes of real potential. In the seven games he logged 15 minutes or more, he averaged 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists with under one turnover per game. His playmaking ability was evident all year, showcasing strong vision, timing, and control.

The main question is whether Kolek can consistently score at the NBA level and hold his own defensively against quicker guards. If he proves capable in those areas during Summer League, he could earn the trust of the coaching staff and carve out a meaningful role as the leader of New York’s second unit.

Beauchamp was a former first-round pick by the Milwaukee Bucks, drafted with the hope that he could develop into a long-term 3-and-D wing for the franchise. However, after two and a half seasons in Milwaukee, things didn’t unfold as expected. Inconsistent shooting, questionable decision-making, defensive lapses, and mental hurdles prevented him from becoming a true difference-maker on the court.

He was eventually traded to the LA Clippers but was waived after just three appearances. Toward the end of the 2024 season, he signed a two-way contract with the Knicks and remains with the team heading into Summer League.

The hope for MarJon is that he can prove he still has untapped potential and carve out a role as a versatile, high-energy wing. If he can show improved confidence, consistency, and a willingness to buy in defensively, Beauchamp could make a real push for a full-time roster spot with New York. Summer League will be a key opportunity to reset his narrative and remind people why he was a first-round pick in the first place.

Another big question heading into Summer League involves another member of the Knicks' 2024 draft class: former Kansas star Kevin McCullar Jr. Once projected as a late-first-to-early-second-round pick, McCullar slid all the way to No. 56 in the draft due to a knee injury that kept him out of last year’s Summer League and most of the 2024–25 season.

McCullar is known for his high basketball IQ, strong defensive presence, and ability to serve as a secondary playmaker. At 24 years old, this Summer League is a pivotal opportunity for him, not just to prove he belongs in the NBA, but to show he fits into the Knicks’ long-term plans.

If McCullar can showcase his strengths and stay healthy, he has a real chance to earn a roster spot and thrive in Mike Brown’s system, which emphasizes ball movement, defense, and hustle. All of these align well with McCullar’s game.

One under-the-radar name on the current Knicks Summer League squad is Luka Ščuka. The 23-year-old forward currently plays for Löwen Braunschweig in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga.

Ščuka went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft because teams and scouts had concerns about his offensive consistency, limited shooting range, and perceived lack of upside. However, since going overseas, he has made a strong impression as a stretch big, showing solid finishing around the rim, effective shot-blocking, and the ability to stretch the floor.

Now Ščuka is aiming to make the NBA after years of development, and Knicks fans should keep a close eye on this versatile forward. If he performs well, he could become an intriguing option for the Knicks roster, especially under the guidance of elite offensive coach Mike Brown, who has the ability to develop him into a key rotation piece.