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The New York Knicks have all but settled their regular season roster for the 2026-27 season, but the main roster spots aren't the only aspect of NBA team construction that need to be addressed.
The Knicks also have all three if their two-way roster spots still unfilled ahead of next season and with several options ahead of them between the players they had on two-way contracts last season and some new additions who had impressive showings in Summer League.
There are two impressing guards for the Knicks to choose from for a two-way spot between Tyler Nickel, the 47th-overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft who was traded to the Knicks on draft night, and Jack Kayil, an international star whom the Knicks traded for on draft night after Kayil was drafted 39th-overall.
Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) puts up a shot from between McNeese Cowboys guard Javohn Garcia (1) and guard Garwey Dual (3) during a first-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between McNeese and Vanderbilt at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, March 19, 2026. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Both Kayil and Nickel were impressive in Summer League, but the deciding factor between the two will likely be the fact that Kayil is still under contract with Mega Basket, a team in Serbia, and the Knicks would have to put in some more effort to buy out his contract.
With that in mind, Nickel is far more of a straight shot for a two-way roster spot while waiting out Kayil's international contract could be the best option for New York.
Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) steals the ball from Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Liam Robbins had an impressive showing in Summer League and with the statuses of free agents Kevin McCullar Jr. and Trey Jemison III still up in the air, Robbins has a clearer path to land a two-way spot with the Knicks.
Vanderbilt Commodores forward Liam Robbins (21) blocks the shot of LSU Tigers forward Jalen Reed (13) during the second half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
He adds size and defensive capability to a New York team that needs both, even if it comes through a two-way player, and having that option available to activate late in the season could work in the favor of both the Knicks and Robbins himself, leaving an open door for an extended stay with the defending champions for Robbins,
Similar to Robbins, Jaden Akins made an impression with his brief opportunity playing in Summer League. He boasts a versatile skillset as an offensively-minded guard and that ability to slot him in at either guard slot represents a great tool for the Knicks to have at their disposal.
Michigan State Spartans guard Jaden Akins (3) drives against Auburn Tigers center Dylan Cardwell (44) during the second half in the South Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Should the Knicks miss out on McCullar Jr. in free agency, Akins stands out as a suitable replacement, even if the Knicks would be sacrificing some size in exchange for Akins' mobility and his talents as a shot creator.
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The Knicks also have all three if their two-way roster spots still unfilled ahead of next season and with several options ahead of them between the players they had on two-way contracts last season and some new additions who had impressive showings in Summer League.
Tyler Nickel
There are two impressing guards for the Knicks to choose from for a two-way spot between Tyler Nickel, the 47th-overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft who was traded to the Knicks on draft night, and Jack Kayil, an international star whom the Knicks traded for on draft night after Kayil was drafted 39th-overall.
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Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) puts up a shot from between McNeese Cowboys guard Javohn Garcia (1) and guard Garwey Dual (3) during a first-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between McNeese and Vanderbilt at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, March 19, 2026. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Both Kayil and Nickel were impressive in Summer League, but the deciding factor between the two will likely be the fact that Kayil is still under contract with Mega Basket, a team in Serbia, and the Knicks would have to put in some more effort to buy out his contract.
With that in mind, Nickel is far more of a straight shot for a two-way roster spot while waiting out Kayil's international contract could be the best option for New York.
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Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) steals the ball from Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Liam Robbins
Liam Robbins had an impressive showing in Summer League and with the statuses of free agents Kevin McCullar Jr. and Trey Jemison III still up in the air, Robbins has a clearer path to land a two-way spot with the Knicks.
You must be registered for see images attach
Vanderbilt Commodores forward Liam Robbins (21) blocks the shot of LSU Tigers forward Jalen Reed (13) during the second half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
He adds size and defensive capability to a New York team that needs both, even if it comes through a two-way player, and having that option available to activate late in the season could work in the favor of both the Knicks and Robbins himself, leaving an open door for an extended stay with the defending champions for Robbins,
Jaden Akins
Similar to Robbins, Jaden Akins made an impression with his brief opportunity playing in Summer League. He boasts a versatile skillset as an offensively-minded guard and that ability to slot him in at either guard slot represents a great tool for the Knicks to have at their disposal.
You must be registered for see images attach
Michigan State Spartans guard Jaden Akins (3) drives against Auburn Tigers center Dylan Cardwell (44) during the second half in the South Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Should the Knicks miss out on McCullar Jr. in free agency, Akins stands out as a suitable replacement, even if the Knicks would be sacrificing some size in exchange for Akins' mobility and his talents as a shot creator.
Continue reading...
