Knicks draft forward Pacome Dadiet in surprise move: Instant reaction and analysis

The New York Knicks began the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft with two first-round picks (Nos. 24 and 25), but as expected, didn't stay in place. New York traded the No. 24 pick to Washington for the No. 26 and 51 picks and proceeded to draft six-foot-eight forward Pacome Dadiet at No. 25.

The 18-year-old Frenchman played for Ratiopharm Ulm in 2023-24, averaging 6.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game, shooting 45.2% from the field.

Knicks draft developmental forward Pacome Dadiet with No. 25 overall pick

The Knicks need frontcourt depth, especially after going without a pick in the 2023 draft. Fans and reporters suspect he'll be a draft-and-stash pick, but that hasn't been confirmed.

After being selected, Dadiet said he plans to stay with the Knicks in New York rather than go to Europe. If that's the plan, he'll spend a lot of time in Westchester, and he can learn under players like OG Anunoby. Dadiet isn't a strong defender, while Anunoby's one of the top defenders in the league. The Anunoby connection (and his connection with other Knicks) would be beneficial.

Even though Dadiet won't step in and be part of Tom Thibodeau's rotation, he shot up draft boards (hence why the Knicks selected him).

Dadiet isn't the forward that fans thought New York would select, as Kyle Filipowski and Ryan Dunn were still on the board, but there's a method to Leon Rose's madness. Over the past day, the Knicks traded Bojan Bogdanovic (and picks) for Mikal Bridges and re-signed Anunoby. New York is strapped financially, so every penny counts.

The young forward seems ready to get to work. Regardless of his situation and how it will play out, he has the right mindset to start his NBA career. Welcome to New York, Pacome!