The Knicks Drafted a German League Champ. He Says He’s Exactly What They Need.

The New York Knicks spent the first round of the NBA Draft essentially playing hot potato with picks. They traded down three times, moved Cameron Carr, Sergio de Larrea, and Koa Peat like poker chips, and ended up with a pile of second-rounders and cash. It was a lot of motion for a team that didn’t actually add anyone until the second round Wednesday night.

That’s when they took Jack Kayil at No. 39. The 20-year-old guard just finished a pro season in Germany with Alba Berlin, where he won a Bundesliga title and picked up some individual hardware along the way: Best Young Player in the league, Best Young Player in the FIBA Champions League, and a spot on the All-Champions League Second Team. Not bad for a guy who wasn’t even on most mock draft boards.

Kayil on joining the champs

In a video posted by SNY after the pick, Kayil didn’t waste time making his case. “I think one of my strengths is that I love winning, and I give everything for that,” he said. “To come to this organization, it shows that they also want winners, so I think it’s a good fit.”

The Knicks are coming off a title themselves, so the fit isn’t just talk. Kayil knows he’s walking into a backcourt that’s already loaded with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Miles McBride, Jose Alvarado, Jordan Clarkson, and Tyler Kolek. That’s six guys fighting for minutes before you even get to him. But he’s young, he’s hungry, and he’s been playing against grown men in Europe all year.

Kayil averaged 11.4 points and 4.2 assists per game in the Bundesliga playoffs, shooting 38% from three. His game is built on tempo and decision-making, which is basically the Knicks’ whole offensive philosophy. He’s not going to blow anyone away with athleticism, but he reads the floor well and doesn’t panic under pressure.

The Knicks also grabbed Tyler Nickel with the No. 47 pick, a wing from North Carolina who shot over 40% from deep this season. Two second-rounders, two different skill sets, one obvious priority: add shooting and depth.

For Kayil, making the roster will come down to summer league and training camp. He’s got a two-way contract waiting if things go right. But he’s not thinking about that yet. He just wants a chance to prove the Knicks didn’t waste a pick on a winner.