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The Knicks have operated the first offseason since winning the NBA Championship as if they won’t exceed the second apron.
But how will guard Jack Kayil, whom the Knicks selected 39th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday night after trading down, fit into those plans? Kayil comes from Germany, so New York can make him a “draft-and-stash” prospect like they and other teams have done in the past with other European players. So with that in mind, Kayil was asked whether he plans to return to Germany.
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“Not really,” Kayil told the media after being drafted. “My plan is to stay here and get into the organization and keep growing with them.”
Of course, that may not be entirely up to Kayil as Leon Rose tries to navigate this offseason with owner James Dolan‘s wishes of staying below the second apron in mind. As SNY’s Ian Begley notes, by trading out of the first pick in the second round, they positioned themselves to get a rookie more likely to accept a rookie minimum deal.
But if Kayil is indeed sticking around, what kind of player are the Knicks getting?
“I think also one of my strengths is that I love winning and I give everything for that,” Kayil said. “To come to this organization shows that they also want winners. I think it’s a good fit.”
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Playing against professionals in the Alba Berlin league this season at the age of 19, Kayil posted 12.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 21.1 minutes per game. He also helped Germany win the silver medal at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup after averaging 11.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. In the process, he won FIBA Champions League Best Young Player honors and earned All-FIBA Champions League Second Team recognition.
Kayil is used to winning and expects it. Perhaps that’s the kind of prospect a team looking to repeat as champion can use.
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/knicks-second-round-pick-jack-051942156.html
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Publish date : 2026-06-25 05:19:00
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