Knicks land Kevin McCullar Jr with the 56th pick in 2024 NBA Draft
Knicks land Kevin McCullar Jr with the 56th pick in 2024 NBA Draft
What a wild second round that turned out to be.
On Day Two of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Knicks walked away with not just two more players, but a third. With the 56th pick, they landed Kevin McCullar, Jr. of Kansas, to go along with Tyler Kolek and Ariel Hukporti (selected earlier). Yesterday, Leon Rose & Co. used the 25th pick to take 18-year-old Pacome Dadiet of France.
The details behind the acquisition of the 56th pick are fuzzy, with New York apparently receiving it from Phoenix via Denver via Minnesota via Oklahoma City. We’ll fill in the gaps when we can. In the meantime, let’s learn about Kevin.
A versatile swingman who stands at 6’7”, McCullar plays both shooting guard and small forward positions, bringing a diverse skill set to the Knicks.
During his college career with the Jayhawks, McCullar had an impressive final season, averaging 21.4 points, seven rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. His standout performances earned him a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team and the Big 12 All-Defense selection in the 2022-23 season.
NBA scouts praised McCullar for his two-way skills. Known for his ability to contribute across various aspects of the game, he excels in scoring, slashing, passing, rebounding, and defending both wing positions. His length and athleticism enable him to guard multiple positions effectively, making him a potential immediate impact player for the Knicks.
Offensively, McCullar has demonstrated the ability to take charge in scoring situations and bridge the gap between primary creators and shooters. While he may not have a standout skill, his overall offensive potential is promising.
His playing style has drawn comparisons to Josh Hart. As he transitions to the NBA, McCullar’s well-rounded game makes him an intriguing addition to the Knicks’ roster, with the potential to contribute in multiple areas.
Welcome to New York, Kevin!