New York Knicks Focus on Veteran Core While Young Talent Shows Promising Growth During Summer League Play in Las Vegas
The New York Knicks are a team balancing two timelines—one rooted in the urgency of contention, the other in the quiet cultivation of a future core. While the front office and coaching staff have rightly prioritized a veteran-driven roster capable of making a deep playoff run, they haven’t entirely lost sight of the development pipeline. Nowhere was that more evident than in Las Vegas during the 2025 NBA Summer League, where a handful of young Knicks prospects showed flashes of promise, toughness, and raw ability.
While veterans like Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby are the unquestioned anchors of Tom Thibodeau’s squad, the importance of nurturing young talent can’t be overstated. Depth is tested over the course of an 82-game season, and success in the postseason often hinges on the emergence of previously overlooked contributors. The Knicks’ Summer League efforts didn’t just provide developmental reps—it may have hinted at the next crop of reliable rotation players.
The Knicks finished Summer League play with a mixed record but an encouraging vibe. The wins and losses matter less than the performances, instincts, and decision-making under pressure. For a franchise with legitimate championship hopes, the margin between good and great can lie in how well the seventh through tenth spots on the roster perform—and Summer League may have unearthed some names ready to step into those roles.
Several players on the Knicks’ Summer League roster generated buzz, both internally and across NBA circles. From second-year guards to undrafted free agents trying to make the roster, the gym in Las Vegas served as a proving ground for New York’s next layer of talent.
After spending multiple seasons in Europe honing his craft, Rokas Jokubaitis finally suited up for the Knicks in Summer League, and the Lithuanian guard made an immediate impact. A crafty left-hander with excellent court vision and a natural feel for pick-and-roll play, Jokubaitis showcased a poise that belied his age. He averaged 12.7 points and 6.4 assists per game in Las Vegas, thriving as a floor general and steadying influence.
His ability to make quick reads, thread tight interior passes, and knock down catch-and-shoot threes gives him a potential path to a roster spot. With the Knicks looking to preserve Jalen Brunson’s minutes over a long season, Jokubaitis could play his way into a backup role or, at the very least, a two-way contract with future upside.
Jacob Toppin, the younger brother of former Knick Obi Toppin, returned for his second Summer League campaign and looked more refined and confident than in previous showings. His athleticism was never in doubt, but he added elements to his game that suggest he’s maturing as a pro.
Toppin rebounded well, defended multiple positions, and showed improvement in his outside shot. Averaging 11.5 points and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 36% from deep, he flashed potential as a two-way wing. More importantly, his motor never stopped running. For a Knicks team that values effort and defensive intensity, Toppin could evolve into a Thibodeau favorite in the near future.
Trevor Keels, a second-round pick in 2022, entered Summer League with something to prove. After a quiet first year on the fringes of the roster, he turned in a strong showing in Las Vegas. Keels used his strong 6’4″ frame to pressure opposing guards, crash the glass, and body up defensively in ways that suggested a readiness for more regular NBA minutes.
He averaged 10.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game, while showing an improved handle and more confident shot selection. If he can keep developing his outside shooting, Keels may find himself earning real rotation minutes, particularly if injuries or rest nights create openings.
Beyond the returning names, the Knicks may have struck gold with undrafted players like Tyler Burton and Ariel Hukporti. Burton, a 6’7” wing from Richmond, brought a mature approach to his minutes, doing a bit of everything—defending, rebounding, hitting open threes, and playing within the flow of the game. He doesn’t jump off the page, but his two-way contract potential feels very real.
Hukporti, a German-Togolese center with elite physical tools, was a late addition but brought size, mobility, and rim protection that intrigued scouts. While still raw offensively, his defensive timing and rebounding instincts gave the Knicks reason to explore further development.
Despite the excitement around the Summer League squad, the reality is clear: the Knicks are operating with a veteran-first mentality. With Brunson leading the charge, and names like DiVincenzo, Randle, and Anunoby all expected to play major roles, there’s limited room for young players to break into the rotation. This is a team built to win now—and every roster spot is earned, not given.
Still, what separates great organizations from merely good ones is their ability to identify and develop hidden gems without sacrificing competitive goals. The Golden State Warriors of the past decade mastered this balance, and the Knicks appear to be following a similar model. The ability to plug in a young, inexpensive contributor when needed—whether due to injury, trade, or rest management—could be pivotal in preserving depth throughout a grueling campaign.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau has often been criticized for his reluctance to play young players, but that reputation may be evolving. While he continues to prioritize veterans, he has also shown willingness to reward effort and readiness from younger players. Quentin Grimes, for example, earned a starting role due to his defensive consistency. Miles McBride carved out rotation minutes with his tenacity.
Thibodeau’s system is demanding, but it also rewards players who can thrive in a structured environment. For the young Knicks who shined in Vegas, the next step is proving they can translate Summer League success into meaningful contributions in training camp and the regular season. Those who embrace Thibodeau’s principles—defensive accountability, hustle, communication—stand a far better chance of earning his trust.
The Knicks’ 2025 roster is already one of the deepest in the league. With Hart, DiVincenzo, and McBride providing perimeter flexibility off the bench, and Hartenstein anchoring the second unit frontcourt, any young addition must fit cleanly into a defined role. That role likely involves low usage, high effort, and situational readiness.
But consider the longer view: Julius Randle is returning from injury, and Mitchell Robinson has a history of nagging health issues. Having a Toppin or Burton ready to slide into minutes could stabilize the team during turbulent stretches. If Jokubaitis continues his upward trajectory, he could reduce the wear-and-tear on Brunson or provide a different look in bench-led lineups.
The Knicks aren’t just playing for 2025—they’re building sustainable success. And that means turning Summer League moments into long-term value.
Leon Rose and his staff deserve credit for threading a difficult needle. By securing core veterans while also quietly investing in youth development, the Knicks have created one of the most balanced rosters in the NBA. They’re not chasing lottery luck or rebuilding through tanking. Instead, they’re developing within a winning context.
The progress seen in Las Vegas reinforces the notion that New York’s pipeline is alive and well. There may not be a franchise-altering rookie in the system right now, but there are rotation-ready players—and in today’s league, that matters.
Summer League isn’t the NBA Finals, but for teams like the Knicks who are operating in a win-now environment, it’s a glimpse into what’s next. And based on what Las Vegas showed, the Knicks’ future, even beyond the veteran core, remains bright.
The Knicks may be driven by their veterans, but the Summer League gave fans and decision-makers alike reason for optimism about the franchise’s next generation. It’s not just about staying competitive today—it’s about sustaining excellence tomorrow.
With standout performances from Rokas Jokubaitis, Jacob Toppin, Trevor Keels, and other rising talents, New York proved that it can walk the tightrope between championship contention and long-term development. The future is not just a distant idea in Madison Square Garden—it’s already taking shape, one Summer League possession at a time.
