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.
I have not gotten word on if the Knicks would draft and stash Pacome Dadiet. But if they do, tonight was a money saver for them. Instead of rostering two first-round picks, they can fill those slots with minimums to give themselves more room under the hard cap.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) June 27, 2024
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.
Pacome Dadiet says he plans on playing with the Knicks in New York, as opposed to being stashed in Europe: pic.twitter.com/xFd4qurwni
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) June 27, 2024
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).
18 Year Old 6’8 NBA Draft Prospect Pacome Dadiet @pacomedadiet has been climbing mock drafts and is projected be selected in the 1st round. Measured just under 6’8 without shoes with a 36inch vert. Spaces the floor and can get his own shot @ratiopharmulm 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lzzjBNYwMH
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) June 24, 2024
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.
By trading out of No. 26 and stashing Pacome Dadiet - and replacing those picks by rostering two 2nd round picks on rookie minimum - Knicks could save a total of roughly $3 million in team salary for 2024-25, per @YossiGozlan. Not clear yet if Dadiet will be stashed yet.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 27, 2024
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!