What Is the Knicks Plan for a 20-Year-Old, Former First-Round Pick?
In today’s NBA, first-round picks from the NBA Draft are often expected to contribute immediately. If they are not ready, many teams send them to the NBA G-League to develop before becoming rotation players. The New York Knicks have taken a slower approach with rookie forward Pacome Dadiet. Despite being selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, Dadiet has rarely seen meaningful minutes. New York’s forward rotation is crowded with established contributors such as Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby. Instead of forcing his way into the lineup, the young French forward has taken a developmental role. The question now is whether Dadiet can carve out a consistent place in the rotation as the season progresses.
Dadiet began his professional career in France with Paris Basketball in 2021, debuting in the country’s top league at just 16 years old. Playing limited minutes in the LNB Pro A, he still flashed potential by averaging seven points in roughly eight minutes per game. After his time in Paris, Dadiet moved to Germany and joined Ratiopharm Ulm. While playing for the club’s developmental squad, he quickly impressed scouts with his scoring ability, averaging 16 points and four rebounds per game. In his second season, he became a regular starter, showcasing a high basketball IQ, smooth shooting mechanics, and an explosive finishing ability. Those traits helped him climb draft boards before ultimately declaring for the NBA Draft.
Since arriving in New York, Dadiet has spent significant time developing with the Westchester Knicks, the team’s NBA G League affiliate. The extra playing time has helped him grow offensively. After averaging 14 points per game in Westchester last season as a 19-year-old, he is now scoring more than 20 points per night. His rebounding and assist numbers have dipped slightly, but the scoring surge shows his offensive confidence continues to grow. Dadiet’s most notable NBA moment came during limited minutes against the Denver Nuggets, when he scored a career-high 11 points. Outside of that outing, however, his NBA production has been minimal. Through 40 appearances, he is averaging roughly one point and one rebound per game, reflecting both limited opportunities and the adjustment period young players often face.
Another obstacle for Dadiet’s playing time has been the emergence of fellow French forward Mohamed Diawara, who was selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Diawara has quickly earned the trust of the coaching staff by providing defensive versatility and energy off the bench. He has already logged matchups against opposing stars and occasionally produced double-digit scoring nights, even earning a few starts during injury stretches. With Bridges playing heavy minutes and veterans like Hart and Anunoby ahead in the rotation, consistent opportunities for Dadiet have been limited. Development takes time for many international prospects, but the Knicks’ deep roster means Dadiet must remain patient while continuing to prove he can eventually contribute at the NBA level.
