Liam Robbins didn’t exactly blow anyone away in his first few Summer League games. The 7-footer went undrafted in 2025 and spent most of last season with Milwaukee’s G-League team. He was quiet in Las Vegas. Nothing special. But then he went out and put up 15 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and four blocks in the Knicks’ first Summer League win. And suddenly the defending champs have a real decision to make.
New York only has 13 players under contract right now. That leaves at least one open roster spot. The Knicks could use it on a draft pick, an unrestricted free agent, or maybe they have something else in mind. But Robbins is making a strong case that he belongs in that conversation.
He showed off a mid-range jumper — though, to be fair, he only hit one of four threes. He grabbed offensive rebounds and turned them into points. He blocked shots. He disrupted plays. The guy did a little bit of everything. After the game, Robbins told ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth that he’s a player who can “come in, give good energy, play D and play The Knick Way…championship effort.” That kind of talk matters in New York right now.
Robbins also knows the Knicks need what he sells. Karl-Anthony Towns is the starter at center, and Andre Drummond is the backup. Both are seven-footers, but neither is exactly a defensive anchor. Towns still gets into foul trouble more than you’d like. Drummond is a liability on that end for long stretches. That leaves a gap for a defensive-minded big who can guard the rim, switch a little, and not hurt you offensively. Robbins fits that description perfectly.
Jack Kayil Had His Moment Too
But Robbins wasn’t the only one who turned heads. Jack Kayil, the 39th overall pick in the draft, dropped 19 points with four assists and three steals. The 20-year-old German guard looked comfortable pushing the pace and controlling the game. He also hit three of his seven threes, which never hurts. Granted, the Knicks were missing Pacome Dadiet and Mohamed Diawara, so Kayil got more run than he might have otherwise. But he made the most of it.
The problem for Kayil is simple: New York has a ton of guards. Jalen Brunson, Jose Alvarado, Tyler Kolek, Mikal Bridges, Miles McBride, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson. That’s a crowded backcourt. Kayil is a nice prospect, but he’s likely a longer-term project. There’s probably not room for him on the championship roster right now.
Still, the Knicks are in a good spot. They brought back most of their core from last year’s title run — Mitchell Robinson is the only notable loss. They added Drummond and some young pieces. They have one spot left to fill. Whether it goes to Robbins, a draft pick, or someone else, that decision could have a real impact. Especially if they go with a center who fits The Knick Way.
Leave a Comment