McCullar Shines in Summer League Debut Despite Knicks Loss

Rookie Guard Shows Promise Amidst Team Struggles and Injuries

Las Vegas – For Kevin McCullar Jr., the NBA Summer League represents his true rookie season, a chance to finally make his mark after a knee injury significantly curtailed his 2023-2024 campaign. Despite a 94-81 loss to the Celtics, the 24-year-old guard showcased his potential, scoring 30 points.

McCullar’s Standout Performance

Wearing a protective mask following an injury in a previous game, McCullar was an aggressive offensive force, converting 10 of his 15 field goal attempts over 28 minutes. He acknowledged the learning curve for his ball-handling responsibilities, noting eight fouls and six turnovers.

“This is really my real rookie season. Last year I just got to be able to get my feet wet a little bit. … I love playing and I missed it for so long. Now it’s pretty much my rookie season.”

—Kevin McCullar Jr.

Knicks Summer League coach Jordan Brink praised McCullar‘s gritty play, stating, “Kevin was solid. Got to take care of the ball a little bit better and that’s part of the learning curve for him as a primary ball handler. You see he had a mask on. He got hit in the head and then he got hit in the head again. That’s kind of how he plays. He’s a gritty player. He’s always in the mix with the physical contact. He fought through and I thought he had a pretty good game.”

Navigating a Challenging Draft Position

Originally projected as a first-round talent, McCullar‘s draft stock plummeted due to a knee issue that affected him throughout his final college season at Kansas and his initial NBA tenure. The exact nature of the injury was not disclosed, but it kept him from participating in crucial team activities.

Now healthy, McCullar is on a two-way contract and is actively competing for a regular roster spot, with the Knicks having multiple openings. His athletic build, standing at 6-foot-6, and defensive potential are notable assets, though his three-point shooting remains a question mark, evidenced by his 22.2% clip in the G-League last season and a 1-for-5 performance from deep in Sunday’s game.

McCullar also took on ball-handling duties, even sharing them with fellow guard Tyler Kolek, who has struggled in the summer league. Coach Brink explained the strategy: “We’re trying to mix up the looks, trying to get Tyler off the ball a little bit to alleviate some of the ball pressure he’s seeing full court. Still not doing a great job of getting to our space. That’s something we’ve got to continue to clean up. But part of the summer league experience for Kevin was to try to get him some ballhandling reps and see how he can do in that role.”

Knicks Hit by Injury Bug

The Knicks’ summer league performance was further hampered by injuries. First-round pick Pacôme Dadiet was sidelined with left foot soreness after scoring seven points. Additionally, James Nnaji, acquired in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, left the game early due to lower back tightness, contributing only two points.

Despite the team’s setbacks, McCullar‘s strong offensive showing offers a silver lining for the Knicks’ upcoming season. His ability to score and his aggressive mentality, even with the accompanying turnovers, are traits that could prove valuable. As the league navigates player development and roster construction, McCullar‘s summer league performances are crucial for his future with the team.