The Knicks have revealed their roster for the 2026 NBA Summer League, giving us a look at several young prospects and developmental pieces as the franchise begins the defense of its NBA championship.
The star of the bunch is undoubtedly Mohamed Diawara, New York’s 2025 draft pick (51st). The club recently inked him to a four-year, $10 million deal, hoping that his size, defensive versatility, and transition
game will continue to improve with focused development. He should eat the Summer League competition for breakfast.
Former first-round pick Pacome Dadiet will also lace up for the tourney. After two seasons with the Knicks, Dadiet is in a real prove it stage of his time with the franchise. He will celebrate his 21st trip around the sun soon, and has yet to demonstrate enough consistency to keep him in the rotation. At 6’9” and 210 lbs, he could be a major asset to a Knicks team that finds itself suddenly thin in the frontcourt. If he doesn’t show growth soon, we expect him to be bundled in a trade or set adrift—the 2026-27 ($2,98M) and 2027-28 ($5,37) seasons are team options.
The Knicks also added several accomplished college players looking to earn training camp invitations or Exhibit 10 deals. Tyler Nickel (Vanderbilt, who the Knicks drafted at 47), Jaden Akins (Michigan State), Oziyah Sellers (St. John’s), Liam Robbins (Vanderbilt), Erik Reynolds II (Saint Joseph’s), and Lance Ware (UT-Arlington) bring high-level collegiate experience and will be competing to catch the attention of New York’s front office.
Other names to watch include Dillon Jones, Toby Okani, Will Johnston, Akoi Yuot, Keith Palek III, Langston Wilson, Treysen Eaglestaff, and Nick Jourdain. All will fight to extend their professional opportunities with strong performances.
One bit of news that came as not a total surprise: Jack Kayil is not expected to play. While he was selected 39th overall by the New York Knicks in the NBA Draft, reports indicate that the young German will be stashed overseas for the upcoming season to retain his rights and manage their roster flexibility.
The Summer team will once again be coached by T.J. Saint, who has become a familiar face in the Knicks’ player development pipeline.
Get your Summer League schedule here.
Go Summer Knicks.
