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Knicks Fill Two-Way Spots With Nickel And McCullar
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- Knicks Fill Two-Way Spots With Nickel And McCullar
Mandatory Credit: Brenden Willsch-Imagn Images
The Wait is Over
The New York Knicks finally stopped being the only team in the league with empty two-way spots. On Sunday morning, the club signed Tyler Nickel and Kevin McCullar Jr. to fill two of those three open slots. According to Posting and Toasting, the team had all three spots available just hours before the moves were made. There was no clear reason why it took so long, but the roster is now full. This signing officially brings the training camp roster to 21 players, including big man N'Faly Dante on an Exhibit 10 deal.
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Nickel was the last major loose end for the front office. He sat in a strange limbo all summer while the team figured out his path. According to AOL.com , the declaration ends Nickel's chance of returning to Vanderbilt for the 2026-27 season. Nickel was selected 47th overall in the 2026 draft following his tenure with the Commodores. The Knicks could not sign him to a standard deal due to their second apron status, so a two-way was the only realistic option.
A Shooter Ready for Action
Nickel brings a specific skill set that the team needs right now. He is a 6-foot-7 wing who shot an even 40 percent from three-point range over his last two college seasons. He made 12.2 points per game during the Summer League. He showed he can hit shots in an 18-point performance against the Brooklyn Nets on July 10.
His role will likely split time between New York and Westchester. Posting and Toasting suggests he will spend much of the year in the G League. However, he should get a chance to play in the big games during January and February. The Knicks often face a shorthanded schedule during those months.
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McCullar's Third Shot
Kevin McCullar Jr. is not new to this situation. He signed a two-way deal for his third straight season with the Knicks. The former 56th overall pick out of Kansas hopes to earn a full roster spot by the 2027-28 season. Per Posting and Toasting, recurring knee injuries limited him to just four games as a rookie. He was healthy and effective in his second year, playing 21 games and scoring 13 points in a key win in Atlanta .
As a deep reserve wing, McCullar occupies a role comparable to Nickel's. Should a starter or Mo Diawara sustain an injury, he will vie with Pacôme Dadiet for the next available spot. Both players will get a chance to show their value on the court. McCullar also gets to wear his ring in person on October 20.
