Knicks May Look to a G-League Standout Amid Roster Questions
With the New York Knicks riding a four-game losing streak following a blowout loss to the Detroit Pistons, head coach Mike Brown may be forced to consider subtle roster adjustments. One area the Knicks could explore is their two-way contracts, which enable players to split time between the NBA roster and the team’s G-League affiliate as a developmental pathway. Currently, the Knicks have three players on two-way deals: Tosan Evbuomwan, Trey Jemison III, and Kevin McCullar Jr. While the Westchester Knicks sit at 3-5 this season, one of the organization’s brightest spots has been 19-year-old Dink Pate. Despite a winding journey to Westchester, Pate has quickly emerged as a player with the tools to become part of New York’s long-term vision.
Through eight games with Westchester, Pate is averaging 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists per game, while also contributing a block and a steal per contest. He is shooting 43% from three-point range, the highest mark of his G-League career. This season marks Pate’s third consecutive year in the G-League. He first gained national attention with the now-defunct G-League Ignite after graduating early from Pinkston High School in Dallas, becoming the youngest professional basketball player at the time. Following his stint with Ignite, Pate signed with the Mexico City Capitanes, helping the franchise establish itself. He later declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, went undrafted, and ultimately was traded to the Knicks from Mexico City.
Recently, the Knicks have leaned heavily on their bench, playing as many as 12 players per night. However, among their G-League call-ups, only McCullar Jr. has seen consistent NBA action, appearing in seven of New York’s last eight games. Jemison III has logged minutes in just two contests, while Evbuomwan has yet to appear. Injuries to key rotation players such as Josh Hart, Landry Shamet, and Mitchell Robinson have opened opportunities for younger talent. Given Pate’s extensive experience against varied competition in the G-League, he could potentially make an immediate impact if given the chance at the NBA level.
At 26 years old, Jemison III is the oldest of the two-way players, while Evbuomwan is 24 and has already bounced around multiple NBA organizations. Releasing one of them could open a roster spot for a younger, higher-upside player. The Knicks already have several developmental prospects, including Mohamed Diawara, Pacome Dadiet, and Ariel Hukporti, all of whom are still carving out NBA roles. Pate fits naturally into that group. With a near seven-foot wingspan, long strides, advanced body control, and strong playmaking instincts, he represents the modern NBA prototype. Given his strong early-season performance in the G-League, it would not be surprising to see Pate earn an NBA opportunity with the Knicks or another team focused on building young talent for the future.
