The New York Knicks have faced a difficult opening at the 2023 Las Vegas Summer League, having yet to record a win. After consecutive losses to the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics, frustrations are mounting among fans and analysts. Actor and Knicks supporter Ben Stiller voiced his doubts on social media, stating,
“I don’t know if I can invest in this Knicks summer league.”
Despite his reservations, Stiller identified second-year center Ariel Hukporti as a player with significant upside, projecting that Hukporti could take on a larger role as the regular season nears.
Emerging Talent Amidst an Inexperienced Squad
Summer League performances should be taken with caution, as many Knicks players on the court have limited <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA experience. Tyler Kolek, who appeared in 41 games last season, leads the current Summer League roster. Ariel Hukporti played in 25 regular-season contests, while rookie Pacome Dadiet and Kevin McCullar Jr. had 18 and 4 appearances respectively. This lack of seasoned rotation contributes to inconsistent results in Vegas but offers valuable opportunities for development.
Kevin McCullar’s Impressive Scoring Draws Attention
Kevin McCullar Jr. has been one of the bright spots for the Knicks in Las Vegas, averaging an impressive 29 points per game. His sharp shooting and scoring ability have caught the eye of team insiders as he competes for one of the Knicks’ two-way contracts, which could be vital for his NBA future. His emergence provides a spark in an otherwise unsettled squad.
Upcoming Showdown Against the Brooklyn Nets
The Knicks are set to meet their local rivals, the Brooklyn Nets, in their third Summer League contest at 6 p.m. ET, broadcast on ESPN2. This game represents a chance for the Knicks to shift momentum and showcase improvement. Meanwhile, all attention remains fixed on Ariel Hukporti’s potential to contribute meaningfully as the season progresses, offering a glimpse of optimism despite the team’s uneven start in Vegas.