(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Contending NBA teams don’t need to hit the ball out of the park in the first round of the NBA Draft.
They know they’re most likely getting rotational pieces, so they either land projects to work on and develop for a couple of years or guys who are ready to contribute right away but won’t likely be stars.
The New York Knicks may have decided to go with the first kind of player when they took Pacome Dadiet.
When asked about what he could bring to the table for Tom Thibodeau, he claimed that he’s going to do all the things you need from a rookie, which is working hard, bringing in some energy, pushing the ball, grabbing some boards, and hitting shots (via New York Basketball).
“I think I’m really versatile, but I can also bring what a rookie needs to bring…some energy, being able to grab a rebound, push the ball, but also knock down shots.”
–– Knicks first-round pick the 6’8″ 18-year-old French wing Pacome Dadiet pic.twitter.com/qelEPoiN1k
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 27, 2024
Notably, Dadiet was one of the most polarizing prospects entering the draft.
His physical upside is exciting, as he’s 6-foot-8 and will continue to grow, given that he’s only 18 years old.
Also, he can be a legitimate off-ball threat with his scoring from all three levels.
On the downside, he didn’t show much of a defensive prowess, commitment, or instinct, and he really struggled with his ball-handling.
He didn’t particularly dominate in Germany’s second division, but the upside could be there.
Thibodeau isn’t particularly known for playing his rookies, so it might take a while before he gets to play significant minutes in the Big Apple.
Then again, the Knicks are quite deep right now, so they can afford to have him sit and work on his game.
The post New Knicks Draft Pick Details What He Will Bring To The Team appeared first on The Cold Wire.