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Dink Pate during the 2025 All-Star Rising Stars Game<\/p>\n
For much of the season, it appeared the New York Knicks<\/a> had quietly uncovered an overlooked developmental gem. But in recent weeks, that narrative has taken an unexpected turn.<\/p>\n Dink Pate<\/a> had been steadily building momentum<\/a> with the Knicks\u2019 G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks, delivering several eye-catching performances that drew attention across league circles.<\/p>\n At just 19-years-old and standing 6-foot-8 as a guard, Pate has long been viewed as a high-upside prospect with a rare developmental trajectory. His size, versatility, and improving production positioned him as a candidate for an eventual NBA<\/a> call-up.<\/p>\n However, a recent roster<\/a> move complicated that path.<\/p>\n New York Knicks Two-Way Opportunity Passed Pate<\/p>\n In late January, New York signed Dillon Jones<\/a> away from the Portland Trail Blazers\u2019 G League affiliate, securing him to a two-way contract<\/a>.<\/p>\n Jones had been in the midst of a breakout campaign and, notably, was never tied to Portland via an NBA or two-way deal. That allowed the Knicks to acquire him without compensation.<\/p>\n The move raised eyebrows, as Jones filled a two-way slot that many believed could eventually go to Pate, who remains on an unsecured standard G League contract.<\/p>\n Shortly afterwards, DraftExpress analyst Jonathan Givony<\/a> reported that Pate\u2019s agent, Sam Permut, had declined multiple two-way offers from NBA teams in order to preserve his client\u2019s NCAA eligibility.<\/p>\n The timing added further uncertainty to the Westchester guard\u2019s situation. With the Knicks opting to sign Jones instead, questions quickly emerged about Pate\u2019s immediate NBA pathway and long-term development timeline.<\/p>\n Despite the uncertainty, Pate\u2019s overall season production has remained strong. Through 37 G League appearances, he is averaging<\/a> 17.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and just under a steal per game while shooting 39.2% from the field and 34.4% from three-point range.<\/p>\n After turning professional at just 17-years-old<\/a>, this season has represented a meaningful step forward in his development.<\/p>\n His current numbers mark a significant jump from the 2024-25 campaign, when he averaged 10.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists with the Mexico City Capitanes.<\/p>\n Knicks Rotation Changes Coincide With Sudden Dip in Form<\/p>\n With Jones joining Westchester, alongside recent NBA assignees Pacome Dadiet<\/a> and Tyler Kolek<\/a>, the team\u2019s rotation has now shifted, impacting Pate\u2019s role and opportunities.<\/p>\n Ahead of the All-Star break, his production began to decline. In a February 10 loss to the Valley Suns<\/a>, Pate finished with 12 points in 30 minutes on 6-of-14 shooting, going scoreless from three-point range.<\/p>\n While he contributed 11 rebounds, one steal, and one block, he also committed four turnovers.<\/p>\n His struggles continued after the break. In his next appearance, he scored 10 points on 4-of-11 shooting in 26 minutes. Although he connected on two three-pointers, his overall impact declined, recording six rebounds, zero steals, zero blocks, and four turnovers.<\/p>\n