Former Kansas Star Officially Lands NBA Contract Despite Summer League Injury
By Joe Summers
Former Kansas star Kevin McCullar Jr. officially landed a two-way NBA contract with the New York Knicks despite concern his injuries would leave him without a team after a spectacular collegiate career.
Drafted at pick No. 55 by the Knicks in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, McCullar missed all of training camp nursing the same knee ailment that kept him out of the NCAA Tournament. However, New York believed enough in his future to give him the professional deal he dreamed of regardless.
One of college basketball's best defenders and a true two-way player, McCullar theoretically fits the Knicks perfectly as they try to step forward as legitimate NBA Finals contenders.
Kansas News: Kevin McCullar Jr. Signs Two-Way Contract With Knicks
The New York Knicks and Kevin McCullar have agreed to a two-way contract, league sources told @hoopshype. McCullar earned All-Big 12 First Team honors this past season at Kansas. He was also named to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team and earned All-Big 12 Third Team honors in 2023. pic.twitter.com/ntU4TDysPp
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 5, 2024
McCullar spent two seasons at Kansas but truly became one of the nation's best players during his final year. He averaged 18.3 points, six rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 45.4% from the field, establishing himself as one of the country's most impactful two-way hoopers.
He'll hope to bring that same energy and enthusiasm to the Knicks, theoretically representing the ideal second-round prospect for a coach like Tom Thibodeau.
The New York Knicks and Kevin McCullar have agreed to a two-way contract per @MikeAScotto pic.twitter.com/FI7JXJz1yR
— Let’s Talk Knicks (LTK) (@LetsTalkKnicks_) August 5, 2024
A two-way contract means that McCullar can play a maximum of 50 games with the Knicks. Otherwise, he'll split time between the NBA and New York's G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks.
Players typically use deals like this one as a springboard to a full-time NBA gig, and it's a strong sign that the organization believes in McCullar's future and prospects as a developmental player.
While McCullar's final days as a Jayhawk didn't go as planned, this is a fantastic opportunity for him and a great sign that he's on the right path towards full-time NBA status. Kansas fans will be watching him closely, as there's perhaps no better landing spot for him than with this Knicks team.
More Kansas Jayhawks News:
feed