Knicks sign familiar names to round out training camp roster

The Knicks filled out their training camp roster with familiar and expected names. 

Tyler Nickel, a second-round pick this year, and Kevin McCullar Jr., a second-round pick in 2024, were both officially signed Sunday to two-way contracts, the team announced. 

The moves pushed the Knicks to 20 bodies for training camp this week, one short of the maximum. 

Tyler Nickel looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets during the NBA Summer League game on July 10, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images

Nickel, 23, who was drafted 47th overall in June, impressed in Summer League as a tall 3-point specialist at 6-foot-7.

The Vanderbilt product shot 41.3 percent on treys in five Summer League games in Vegas. 

Recent history suggests Nickel has a chance to make an impact. Three Knicks former second-round picks – Miles McBride, Tyler Kolek and Mohamed Diawara – are all on standard contracts this season. Nickel was also reportedly mulling a return to college to capitalize on an NIL payday. But, as The Post reported in August, he long ago decided to play this season with the Knicks. 

McCullar Jr., a 25-year-old guard, played the last two seasons with the Knicks, making a combined 25 appearances while averaging 2.2 points in 7.4 minutes on 40.7 percent shooting.

He had a breakthrough game in late December last season, helping the Knicks to victory in Atlanta with 13 points and eight boards. But McCullar Jr. failed to crack the rotation thereafter, and again couldn’t secure a standard contract. 


Kevin McCullar Jr. gestures after a play during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on April 12, 2026.
Kevin McCullar Jr. gestures after a play during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on April 12, 2026. Getty Images

This will be the third season McCullar Jr. operates on a two-way contract, which allows a player to split time in the NBA and G League. With the signings of McCullar Jr. and Nickel, the Knicks have used two of their three two-way contracts. 

The Knicks will host Media Day on Monday, followed by the start of training camp in Tarrytown on Tuesday. Their preseason opener is Oct. 5 at Philadelphia.

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