Knicks Sign Standout Defender To Bolster Roster Depth: Report
August 5, 2024
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The New York Knicks continue to bolster their roster depth around their star player, guard Jalen Brunson. New York reportedly agreed to sign standout defender Kevin McCullar Jr. to a two-way deal Monday.
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McCullar Jr. was selected by the Suns with the No. 56 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and subsequently traded to the Knicks. HoopHype’s Michael Scotto reported the news of the agreement between the two sides.
The New York Knicks and Kevin McCullar have agreed to a two-way contract, league sources told @hoopshype. McCullar earned All-Big 12 First Team honors this past season at Kansas. He was also named to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team and earned All-Big 12 Third Team honors in 2023. pic.twitter.com/ntU4TDysPp
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 5, 2024
McCullar Jr. was one of the better players for the Kansas Jayhawks this past season, earning All-Big 12 Third Team honors. He was also named to the Big 12 All-Defensive team as well, likely helping to gain interest from the Knicks.
Last season, McCullar Jr. averaged 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists for the Jayhawks over 26 games. He only shot 33.3 percent from beyond the 3-point line so for him to see the court consistently, he will need to improve his shooting.
New York loves playing who are strong defensively under head coach Tom Thibodeau. Thibodeau is known for his defensive schemes and running players hard throughout games.
While McCullar Jr. is on a two-way deal, he will likely see some time with the Knicks this season. New York ran out of bodies at the end of this past season, so bringing in more help may be a way for the team to negate that happening again.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 14: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks directs his team during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Madison… NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 14: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks directs his team during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on May 14, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks signed an elite defender to bolster the roster.
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Before going to Kansas, McCullar Jr. played at Texas Tech for three seasons. In total, the forward played five years of college basketball, giving him plenty of experience to pull from.
ESPN’s draft insider Jonathan Givony was very high on McCullar Jr. entering draft night so the Knicks could have landed a potential steal: “Kevin McCullar was one of the best players in college basketball over the first 2 1/2 months of the season, but seems to have been forgotten to an extent due to his injury. He could end up being a steal for someone on draft night.”
Kevin McCullar was one of the best players in college basketball over the first 2 1/2 months of the season, but seems to have been forgotten to an extent due to his injury. He could end up being a steal for someone on draft night.
Overall, McCullar averaged 11.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game throughout his college career. He will look to make an impact with the Knicks but may spend more of his time in the G-League early on.
New York is expected to be one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference this season and they have a fairly full roster. But Thibodeau tends to reward effort, so McCullar could break through if he can make an immediate impact with the squad.
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