Kevin McCullar Jr. Shines in Summer League: A Determined Bid to Cement His Knicks Future After Lost Rookie Season
By ChatGPT News Desk
Published: July 20, 2025
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LAS VEGAS – The New York Knicks’ 2025 Summer League campaign may be marked by inconsistency and injury woes, but one player is rising above the noise with grit, determination, and a hunger to prove himself: Kevin McCullar Jr.
A name that once hovered around the fringes of NBA attention due to an unfortunate rookie year marred by injury, McCullar is now demanding the spotlight—and rightfully so. His 30-point outburst in a recent 94-81 loss to the Boston Celtics wasn’t just a scoring exhibition; it was a statement from a young man who has waited far too long to show what he can bring to the Garden.
“This is really my real rookie season,” McCullar said after the game, voice tinged with reflection and renewed purpose. “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.”
A Rocky Start in the Big Apple
Kevin McCullar Jr. was drafted 56th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft—an underwhelming placement for a player once projected as a late first-round pick. The drop was largely due to lingering concerns over a knee injury that he sustained during his final college season with the Kansas Jayhawks, where he averaged an impressive 18.3 points over 26 games.
Although he officially became a Knick in 2024, McCullar’s first year was anything but smooth. He missed training camp, preseason, the bulk of the regular season, and the 2024 Summer League due to injury. He played only four NBA games last year, most of them garbage-time stints. His minutes were limited, and his role unclear.
For most fans, McCullar was just another name buried deep in the roster. For the Knicks’ front office, he was a question mark—a player with potential, but plagued by physical setbacks.
Summer League Redemption
Fast forward to this summer in Las Vegas, and that narrative is changing rapidly.
Wearing a protective mask due to a facial injury sustained in the previous game, McCullar put on a clinic. Shooting 10-for-15 from the field, including aggressive drives, contested finishes, and a dunk that electrified the small but engaged crowd, the 6-foot-6 wing led the Knicks’ offense. He played 28 minutes, drew contact repeatedly, and showed an energy level that was unmatched on the court.
But his performance wasn’t flawless. McCullar committed six turnovers and eight personal fouls (Summer League rules allow up to 10). His three-point shooting remains a concern—he went just 1-for-5 from beyond the arc. Still, the good far outweighed the bad.
“Kevin was solid,” Knicks Summer League head coach Jordan Brink said. “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. But he’s gritty. He plays with heart. He’s always in the mix.”
The Grit Factor
Indeed, grit might be McCullar’s defining trait. Standing 6-foot-6 with a sturdy frame and defensive prowess honed at Kansas, McCullar is no stranger to physical play. He took a hard hit to the face in the Knicks’ loss to the Pistons and got hit again versus Boston—both times shaking it off and continuing to compete.
The Knicks value toughness, and McCullar is proving he has it in spades.
“I got hit in the head, then got hit in the head again,” he said with a chuckle after the Celtics game. “That’s kind of how I play. I like being in the middle of everything.”
Fighting for a Spot
The competition in Summer League is fierce, particularly for players like McCullar who are on two-way contracts and trying to secure a standard roster spot. The Knicks currently have at least two open slots and multiple two-way deals to fill—opportunities McCullar is eyeing closely.
“It’s a grind to get back healthy,” he admitted. “But I feel good now. This is what I’ve worked for.”
With young guards like Tyler Kolek struggling (1-for-13 shooting in the same game), McCullar’s consistent ballhandling and ability to initiate offense stand out. His defense, long considered one of his strengths, has also drawn praise from Knicks insiders.
“He’s ahead of a lot of guys in terms of maturity and awareness,” one Eastern Conference scout noted. “He knows where to be, when to help, and doesn’t shy away from tough assignments.”
A Tough Climb Ahead
Time, however, isn’t exactly on McCullar’s side. At 24, he’s older than many of the players he’s competing with. He stayed in college for his senior year, hoping to develop further and secure a higher draft spot—a decision that now leaves him in a must-prove-now window.
Though he’s athletic, smart, and defensively gifted, his inconsistent shooting is still a red flag. In 13 G-League games last season with the Westchester Knicks, McCullar shot just 22.2% from three-point range. The Knicks are hoping that with more reps and confidence, he can become passable from deep, if not a threat.
“That’s where the work is,” Brink said. “But he’s putting in the time. He’s in the gym every day working on that shot.”
Injuries Plague Knicks Summer Campaign
While McCullar was a bright spot, the Knicks’ Summer League campaign hasn’t been smooth overall. First-round pick Pacôme Dadiet was pulled from the Celtics game due to left foot soreness, after managing just seven points on 3-for-11 shooting. James Nnaji, another promising prospect acquired in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, also exited early due to lower back tightness.
The injuries raise concerns for a team hoping to rebuild around a mix of veterans and young talent. While Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson remain the anchors of the current roster, the Knicks’ success long-term hinges on whether players like McCullar can fill rotation spots and contribute consistently.
The Path Forward
There’s no doubt that McCullar still has much to prove. His shooting needs polish. His ball control needs tightening. But he has qualities that can’t be coached—grit, defensive commitment, and a relentless work ethic.
For the Knicks, who have been navigating coaching changes (with Mike Brown now at the helm), a murky free agent period, and a fan base hungry for postseason relevance, finding gems like McCullar is essential.
Whether he earns a standard NBA deal or remains on a two-way contract this season, Kevin McCullar Jr. is making his presence felt. And if his play continues to improve, Madison Square Garden may soon be chanting his name.
“This is just the beginning,” McCullar said with confidence. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.”
And if he keeps performing the way he did in Las Vegas, his wait—and the Knicks’—may finally be over.
