Pacôme Dadiet Turns Heads at G-League Showcase, But Where Does He Fit in Knicks’ Plans?
Pacôme Dadiet may have been one of the youngest players in the 2024 NBA Draft, but the New York Knicks saw something in the 20-year-old French wing-enough to make him a first-round pick. That selection raised eyebrows at the time, and months later, the question still lingers: where does Dadiet fit into a Knicks team with championship aspirations?
Right now, he’s caught in the middle ground that many young prospects find themselves in-too raw for consistent NBA minutes, but too talented to ignore. That tension was on full display at the G-League Winter Showcase, where Dadiet reminded everyone why he was a first-rounder in the first place.
A Showcase Performance That Demands Attention
The Westchester Knicks may have come up short against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, but Dadiet’s individual performance was a clear win. He poured in 28 points on an efficient 9-for-15 from the field, including 5-of-10 from deep and a perfect 3-for-3 at the line.
It wasn’t just the numbers-it was how he got them. Confident catch-and-shoot threes, fluid movement off the ball, and flashes of the kind of offensive polish that suggests there’s more to unlock.
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Dadiet also racked up five turnovers and three fouls-mistakes that underscore the developmental curve he’s still on. But that’s exactly why he’s spending time in the G-League: to make those mistakes, learn from them, and grow in a way that wouldn’t be possible sitting at the end of an NBA bench.
Development vs. Contention: A Familiar Dilemma
The Knicks are deep into win-now mode, and that makes finding minutes for a 20-year-old project a tough ask. Head coach Mike Brown has praised Dadiet’s skill set, calling him a “pretty good young prospect” back in the preseason. But he also noted that the young wing needs to better leverage his size and length-tools that are there, but not yet fully weaponized.
Dadiet’s not alone in this logjam. Even Guerschon Yabusele, a more seasoned player brought in with the taxpayer mid-level exception, hasn’t carved out a consistent role. That tells you just how tight the rotation is for a Knicks team with legitimate playoff ambitions.
Still, the organization hasn’t left Dadiet on an island. When he’s with the main roster, he’s been working closely with assistant coaches during pregame sessions, getting valuable reps and staying engaged.
And when he’s with Westchester, he’s logging real minutes and gaining experience. It’s a developmental blueprint that worked for Deuce McBride, who’s now a key contributor.
Trade Rumors and Roster Realities
Dadiet’s name surfaced in offseason trade chatter, and it wasn’t hard to see why. The Knicks were exploring ways to clear a roster spot, and he was a logical candidate. Malcolm Brogdon’s unexpected retirement changed the math, but the idea of moving Dadiet in a deal for a veteran upgrade hasn’t gone away.
The Knicks haven’t made many first-round picks in recent years, and given how they’ve built a contender without bottoming out, that’s understandable. But that makes the ones they do make even more valuable. In an NBA era shaped by the second apron and tight cap constraints, having a young, cost-controlled player with upside is a luxury for any contending team.
Dadiet fits that mold. He’s not ready today, but the flashes are real.
The shooting stroke, the frame, the feel-it’s all there in pieces. The question is whether New York can afford to wait for those pieces to come together, or if another team might be better positioned to give him the runway he needs.
A Potential Win-Win?
If a team out there sees Dadiet as more than just a developmental stash-if they believe he can grow into a rotation piece with the right opportunity-it might make sense for both sides to explore a move. For the Knicks, it could mean adding a veteran who helps right now. For Dadiet, it could mean stepping into a role that accelerates his growth.
But make no mistake: the Knicks have something in Dadiet. Performances like his 28-point outburst at the Showcase don’t go unnoticed-not by rival scouts, and not by the Knicks themselves. Whether he stays in New York or finds a new home, his journey is one worth watching.
Because if Saturday was any indication, Pacôme Dadiet isn’t just a project. He’s a player.