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Knicks Rookie Turning Heads in Limited Role

Despite not playing many minutes, this New York Knicks rookie has the attention of team veterans.

Jeremy Brener

Nov 23, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) shoots the ball over New York Knicks forward Pacome Dadiet (4) during the first half at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
Nov 23, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) shoots the ball over New York Knicks forward Pacome Dadiet (4) during the first half at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images / Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
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Rookie forward Pacome Dadiet isn't getting much playing time with the New York Knicks, but he is still making strides in his development.

The No. 25 overall pick from France is still just 19 years old, but he is making an impression on some of his older teammates, including veteran Josh Hart.

“He’ll be good. He’s a hard worker, always trying to get better physically and mentally. But you know how it is. He’s a rookie, man. Sometimes you’ve just gotta develop, bide your time, and when the opportunity comes, you seize it," Hart said h/t Posting and Toasting.

“Obviously it’s tough because you’re relying on guys that haven’t been there before, so you don’t know how they’re going to be. So it’s all part of a process. When he gets his opportunities, he’s gotta go out there and use em.”

Dadiet has played in 12 games for the Knicks this season, almost exclusively in garbage time. He's averaging 1.6 points per game and hasn't been on the court since Dec. 19 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Dadiet has spent most of his time in the G League with the Westchester Knicks, and coach Tom Thibodeau believes that's the best place for him to be right now.

“What the G League does is give [Pacome] an opportunity to get game minutes," Thibodeau said. “Study, prepare, and keep getting better.”

Dadiet has played in 14 games for the Knicks G League affiliate, where he has been able to get a lot more playing time than he would in the NBA. That should come in handy down the line when he is far more ready to make a contribution for the Knicks in the Association.

The Knicks are back on the court tomorrow night against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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