Knicks Moving On? Kevin McCullar's Return Looks Dead in the Water
NEW YORK — The writing is on the wall for Kevin McCullar Jr., and it doesn't spell a return to the defending champion New York Knicks. After a summer league that saw the former Kansas star conspicuously absent, the signs point to a clean break.
Earlier this week, Trey Jemison III, McCullar's fellow two-way contract player, signed with the Toronto Raptors. That's a clear signal. When your teammate jumps ship and you're not even in the building for summer league, the message is loud and clear: the Knicks are moving on.
Why McCullar Didn't Play in Vegas
McCullar, drafted 56th overall two years ago, missed the Knicks' summer league stint. So did Jemison. Meanwhile, Pacome Dadiet, a rookie from the same draft class, suited up. That's not a coincidence. It's a decision.
Is there a new injury? Given McCullar's history — a bone bruise in his right knee that cost him the NCAA tournament and slid him down the draft board — it's possible. But the Knicks aren't talking. And silence in the Big Apple is a bad sign.
McCullar's Gritty but Limited Impact
McCullar is a hard-nosed wing. At Kansas, he was an All-American candidate, averaging 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. But injuries derailed his senior year and his draft stock.
In the NBA, he barely saw the floor under Tom Thibodeau. That changed when Mike Brown took over. Brown, the mad scientist, gave the kids a real shot. McCullar grabbed it on December 26 in Atlanta, dropping 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals in 23 minutes. He looked like a Josh Hart clone — a plug-and-play grinder.
But that was the highlight. He saw more than 10 minutes only four more times all season. In 21 games, he averaged 2.4 points and 1.3 rebounds. In the G League, he put up 16.8 points and 6.2 assists, but shot just 29.9% from three. Not enough to crack a championship rotation.
The Knicks Are All In on a Repeat
New York just won the title. They're not rebuilding. They're reloading. The Knicks are the only team in the NBA without a single two-way contract. That's a flex. It means they're hunting for proven talent, not projects.
McCullar is a project. A good one, maybe. But the Knicks don't have time for maybe. They need guys who can contribute now. McCullar's window is closing fast.
What's Next for McCullar?
If the Knicks don't bring him back, McCullar will find a home. Some team will take a flier on a 6-foot-6 wing with defensive instincts and a chip on his shoulder. But in New York, the dream of a homegrown success story is fading.
The bottom line: Kevin McCullar Jr. is a hard worker, a patriot of the hardwood. But in the land of champions, hard work isn't enough. You have to produce. And so far, the numbers don't lie.
Stay tuned. This story isn't over. But for the Knicks, it might be.