Add The New York Post on Google LAS VEGAS — Entering what feels like a make-or-break season for his Knicks career, Pacôme Dadiet understands the assignment.
“[Become] more efficient at the 3-point line,” the 20-year-old forward said over the weekend, “and play harder.”
Dadiet has been, to this point, a disappointment as New York’s lone first-round draft pick in the past four years. His career 3-point efficiency sits at a paltry 21.9 percent. Scouts have noted his low motor, with Dadiet’s relaxed movements reminiscent of another former Knicks first-round pick: Kevin Knox.
Pacome Dadiet #4 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NBAE via Getty Images With that in mind, Dadiet’s goal to “play harder” is noteworthy. It would help his defense and rebounding, which also have underwhelmed. As one NBA general manager jokingly texted last year during Las Vegas Summer League: “I wouldn’t trade a croissant for Pacôme Dadiet.”
Even with all the signs of a bust, the Frenchman remains on the Knicks roster — guaranteed at roughly $3 million — because of the tantalizing potential. He has the ideal build and skill set for a forward, standing at 6-foot-9 with all the proper mechanics on his jumper.
He’s also young enough to believe a giant leap still is possible.
It’s why people inside the Knicks are predicting a breakout for Dadiet, who nonetheless struggled in the opening two games of this year’s summer league with 16.5 points per game on 36 percent shooting — and 15.4 percent from beyond the arc.
It’s all significant now for Dadiet, whose contract includes a team option for next season with an Oct. 31 deadline. If the Knicks don’t pick up that $5.3 million option — and it would be impossible to justify picking that up right now — Dadiet will become a trade candidate and a free agent next summer.
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“I have a better feeling of what the expectations are,” Dadiet said. “So trying to put that into my workouts. Also, I know when to take time off [and] when to work; feeling more experienced.”
“It’s more like playing hard [and being] somebody who can make shots, [make] open shots, play defense,” he said.
Dadiet certainly has the blueprint for success on a championship squad. He has watched and absorbed masterful playoff performances from Knicks wings Mikal Bridges and, especially, OG Anunoby.
They played off the ball, played defense and thrived.
Pacome Dadiet has been underwhelming in his Knicks opportunities thus far. NBAE via Getty Images “I’ve been watching them a lot,” Dadiet said. “I know [playing off the ball] is important to our schemes, so just try to be better.”
To stick around, Dadiet has to capitalize on his chances. They’ve been sporadic for him in the NBA.
He shockingly started his 2024-25 rookie campaign in Tom Thibodeau’s rotation, but that lasted just a couple of games before Dadiet was relegated to the bench. He was a starter in the preseason last year under Mike Brown but struggled during the games in Abu Dhabi and never recovered.
People around the league believed Dadiet’s preseason chance last year mostly was about showcasing him for a trade.
A deal never developed, and Dadiet is now part of a young group the Knicks will try to lean on to get through the regular season. After Thibodeau was fired, the Knicks put out the message they’re emphasizing development and even hired a player development coach, Billy Lange.
It’s especially important since building out depth is more difficult while under the mandate of avoiding the second apron of the luxury tax. Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, Mohamed Diawara, Tyler Nickel and Jack Kayil all have been drafted over the last three years. It’d be great for the Knicks if one pops.
Dadiet is overdue and grasps that 3-point shooting and effort are the way forward.
