Overview

• Kevin McCullar Jr. poured in 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting for the Knicks in a 94-81 Summer League loss to the Celtics while wearing a protective mask after absorbing two facial hits.
• The 56th overall pick in 2024 missed most of his rookie season recovering from left knee bone-bruised surgery and made just four late-season NBA appearances.
• Summer League coach Jordan Brink lauded McCullar’s dedication to rehab and his gritty style, emphasizing the guard’s nightly availability.
• New York enters training camp with at least two open roster spots and up to three two-way slots, placing McCullar in contention for elevation.
• Approaching his 25th birthday, McCullar confronts a narrower development window than younger rookies as he fights for a defined role.