Knicks Draft Pacôme Dadiet From France

Knicks get a targeted wing while not letting out much information. Also noted Pacôme will be coming over this season to the New York Knicks at 18 years old let’s look into our new “kid”

First off welcome home Pacome Dadiet the young 18 year old from France I’m pleased that the knicks drafted this kid. My main target for this year draft was a high upside talent with limitless potential at the wing spot backing up OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. I also wanted to see if Management can recoup some assets given up in the Mikal Bridges trade which they did.

When pick 24 came I know just like other knick fans, I gave a loud sigh in the lounge at work, not this trade back nonsense again. Once again, I didn’t know Leon Rose was about to cook up something special. To receive 6 2nd round picks in an CBA era where it’s hard to build a team when you’re in the 1st or 2nd apron.

Just incase if you’re not familiar with the new CBA rules here they are right here in this photo.

Here’s also a cap sheet of how the team will look like once Pacôme comes over and plays next season, honestly makes me want to sign and trade Ihart even more but that’s a story for another day.

Shoutouts to Jeremy from Knicks Film School for the graphic

For my Folks from France

Los NEW YORK KNICKS draftean a PACOME DADIET con el pick 25. El jugador francés de 18 años ha jugado para Ratiopharm Ulm esta temporada.

Knicks’ First Night of the NBA Draft was interesting to me it’s the most Euros I have probably ever seen drafted. Of the top 10 picks 3 was selected from France

1st pick - Zaccharie Risacher

2nd pick - Alexandre Sarr

6th pick - Tidjane Salaün

25th pick - Pacôme Dadiet

The New York Knicks approached the 2024 NBA Draft with picks 24, 25, and 38. However, their strategic maneuvering on draft night led them to leave the first round with the draft rights to Pacôme Dadiet and a stockpile of future picks. The moves helped replenish their draft assets and maintain financial flexibility, saving approximately $5.5 million in the process. Even after the trade for Mikal Bridges the Knicks have a lot of 1st round picks as shown here:

The Knicks traded the 24th pick to the Washington Wizards for the 26th and 51st picks, allowing Washington to select Kyshawn George at 24th overall. With the 25th pick, the Knicks selected Pacôme Dadiet. They then traded the 26th pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for multiple second-round picks. In a series of trades, the Knicks acquired several future draft picks: the 51st pick via Washington in the 2024 draft, the most favorable 2025 second-round pick between the Celtics and Grizzlies, the 2026 second-round pick from the Warriors, and three second-round picks in 2027. These 2027 picks include one from the Timberwolves, the most favorable of picks from OKC, HOU, MIA, or IND, and the second most favorable of those same teams. These strategic acquisitions follow the Mikal Bridges trade, providing the Knicks with valuable flexibility for future roster moves.

The highlight of the Knicks' draft night was selecting Pacôme Dadiet, an 18-year-old, 6'9" forward who plans to play for the Knicks next season rather than being a draft-and-stash player. Dadiet, who played for Ratiopharm Ulm in the German BBL, has shown significant potential as a 3&D player. He averaged 6.4 points per game and 1.6 rebounds per game while shooting 45.2% from the field. Notably, he shot nearly 37% from three on 134 attempts and demonstrated his defensive capabilities in a solid pro league. His ability as an off-ball cutter and his potential to be an elite play finisher at the NBA level make him an intriguing prospect. Dadiet has strong touch inside the arc, evidenced by his 68% shooting on layups and 60% on pull-up twos, though his attempts were limited.

Here’s an play chart from Dadiet shows he’s a very effective off ball player

Recovering from an ankle injury in 2023, Dadiet adapted to a growth spurt over the season and matured into a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. Since January 1, 2024, he has been shooting 40% on catch-and-shoot threes. This season, he shot 38.6% on catch-and-shoot three-pointers, and in his last eight games, he improved to 52.2%, hitting 12 out of 23 attempts. Dadiet's results at the international combine in Treviso highlighted his physical attributes: standing 6'7.75" without shoes, with a 6'9" wingspan, 216 lbs, and an 8'11.5" standing reach.

While Dadiet proved his off-ball threat with his shooting and cutting abilities every night, his pick-and-roll play might be overlooked if not watched closely. According to Synergy, Ratiopharm Ulm scored 44 points on 40 pick-and-roll possessions with Dadiet as the ball-handler, achieving 1.1 points per possession. His offensive highlights include his mid-range game, self-creation, catch-and-shoot ability, and finishing skills. At 6'9" and 217 lbs, Dadiet shot 34% from three overall. Represented by agent Yann Balikouzou, Dadiet is seen as a promising talent who can contribute significantly to the Knicks' future success.

The Knicks’ draft night moves indicate a clear strategy: acquiring future assets while selecting a young, versatile player in Pacôme Dadiet who can develop into a key piece for their roster. The Knicks have also focused on improving their shooting and spacing. Dating back to the start of the 2022-23 season, only four players have made more than 100 corner three-pointers while converting over 42% of their attempts. Three of those four are now Knicks: Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Donte DiVincenzo. Dadiet, the fourth youngest player in this draft class, can learn a great deal from these veteran sharpshooters, improving his own shooting and providing valuable floor spacing for the team.

Here’s a look at Dadiet shot chart

This kid is very efficient on certain spots of the floor. 70% at the rim is elite for his age and the midrange era shows me he can get his shot off in the trenches.

Under the guidance of head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks have undergone a significant culture change, emphasizing defense, toughness, and player development. Thibodeau, who has won 143 games with the Knicks so far, has a proven track record of developing players into solid role players and potential stars. . His development of Mitchell Robinson into a dominant defensive presence and Deuce McBride into a reliable role player are testament to his coaching prowess. Thibodeau’s system and mentoring can play a crucial role in developing Pacôme Dadiet into a possible star player in the future, leveraging his defensive versatility and offensive potential to fit into the Knicks’ long-term vision

Here’s another chart of Pacome Dadiet scouting report:

The addition of OG Anunoby has already transformed the Knicks’ defensive identity, with the team showing significant improvement in their defensive metrics. Since Anunoby’s arrival, the Knicks have won numerous games, solidifying their reputation as a tough defensive team. The Knicks went 20-3 with Anunoby in the lineup in the regular season after sending RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Raptors, and outscored their opponents while Anunoby was on the floor in every one of those games. Pairing Anunoby with Mikal Bridges creates a formidable defensive duo capable of shutting down opposing wings and providing relentless perimeter defense. Adding Pacôme Dadiet to this mix makes the Knicks even more dynamic, both in the short term and long term. With Dadiet’s size, shooting ability, and defensive potential, he can learn from the likes of Anunoby and Bridges while contributing immediately to the team’s success. The Knicks now boast one of the most intriguing wing rotations in the NBA, including Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Donte DiVincenzo, and the promising 18-year-old Dadiet. This depth allows the Knicks to bring Dadiet along slowly, ensuring his development while he learns from seasoned veterans. As he shows his potential during the Summer League and earns his spot in the rotation, Dadiet will help solidify the Knicks’ status as a defensively stout and offensively versatile team.

I’m excited Knick fans within two days the knicks went from good wing stable to elite wing stable and covered all weaknesses of the team. I really think this kid has a long future with the Knicks it just takes the Knicks to be patient with this kid and development him. Most important, LET HIM PLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Godbless reader I hope you enjoyed the article