Knicks scout reveals which young players could crack rotation

A New York Knicks scout has unpacked which young players might be able to actually make the club's contending rotation in 2025-26.

The Knicks are angling to capture their first championship since 1973 next season.

All-NBA point guard Jalen Brunson, All-NBA center Karl-Anthony Towns, All-Defensive Team forwards Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, and talented guard Josh Hart represent one of the strongest starting fives in the league at large. On the bench, new free agent signings Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson will augment incumbent reserves Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride.

Can any of New York's young guns show new head coach Mike Brown enough to convince him to expand his rotation to 10 players?

The Knicks scout spoke with Keith Smith of Spotrac about which developing players might have a chance to contribute meaningful minutes next year.

NBA Summer League is a bit about watching basketball and a lot about talking to people around the NBA about basketball.
For @spotrac I emptied out half of my SL notebook. Here are notes from executives, coaches & scouts for all 15 Eastern Conference teams!https://t.co/P4zchFOk7f

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 21, 2025

“This is a tough rotation to crack. We have a lot of NBA veterans who are going to play a lot. But Pacome (Dadiet) looked a lot more comfortable this year than last year," the scout said. "Tyler (Kolek) got some run last year and we’re comfortable with playing him more this year. Ariel (Hukporti) was forced to play at time last year and he’s more ready if that happens again this year."

A pair of young Knicks, two-way shooting guard Kevin McCullar Jr. and small forward MarJon Beauchamp, both impressed the scout in Las Vegas Summer League play for New York. 

"And Kevin (McCullar Jr.) and MarJon (Beauchamp) both looked awesome out here (Las Vegas)," the scout added. "We’re still figuring out the rest of the roster, but we hope all of those guys factor in somehow.”

READ MORE: American-born former Knicks guard made Italian citizen for EuroBasket