​German guard Jack Kayil reiterated on Saturday his desire to play for the New York Knicks in the 2026-27 season, rather than spend another year in Europe. Kayil, who was selected 39th overall after averaging 12.2 points, 3.6 assists, three rebounds and one steal per game while shooting 37.7 percent from the field last season for Alba Berlin, helped his team win the German League title and earned the 2026 Bundesliga Best Young Player award.
After the draft, Kayil indicated that his plan was to join the Knicks, but Ian Begley of SNY reported on June 30 that the organization intended for him to stay in Germany for the upcoming season. Despite that, Kayil told James L. Edwards III of The Athletic that he still aims to become a Knick, reiterating his commitment to joining the franchise when the opportunity arises.
Kayil entered the draft amid strong expectations thanks to his versatility and guard-ready skill set. At 6-foot-3, he can handle multiple roles, capable of penetrating the lane for finishes, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, or stretching the floor with three-point attempts. His smooth step-back drive and ability to create offense off the dribble have drawn attention from evaluators who see him as a flexible guard prospect with potential to contribute at the next level.
The 20-year-old made his NBA Summer League debut on Saturday, tallying 12 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in a 70-49 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He shot 5-for-14 from the field in 21 minutes off the bench, a performance that offered a window into his scoring instincts and all-around playmaking potential.
Kayil will have additional chances to showcase his abilities with the Knicks during their ongoing Las Vegas stint, which continued on Monday. Those sessions will provide him with more opportunities to align with the NBA team’s plans for the 2026-27 season and to demonstrate that his development in Europe has prepared him for a larger role in New York.
Looking ahead, Kayil’s path remains tied to the Knicks’ eventual decision on how aggressively to accommodate his long-term development. If the organization decides to bring him into the fold for the 2026-27 season, he could immediately offer depth at guard and bring a blend of playmaking, shooting, and defensive versatility. If the team chooses to keep him overseas for another year, Kayil will likely continue refining his craft in a high-level European league before returning to pursue his NBA aspirations with renewed strength and readiness.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Jack Kayil reiterates desire to play with Knicks during 2026-27 season.