Tyler Nickel expected to join New York Knicks

Tyler Nickel, the New York Knicks' second-round draft pick, is expected to join the team for the upcoming season rather than returning to college basketball. Despite a recent U.S. District Court ruling granting certain athletes an extra year of collegiate eligibility, Nickel is leaning toward starting his professional career in the NBA.

Nickel, a 22-year-old sharpshooting forward, impressed during the Summer League, averaging 12.2 points per game and shooting 41.3 percent from three-point range. His decision comes as he weighs the potential for lucrative NIL deals in college against a professional contract with New York.

The Knicks face several contract options for Nickel, including a two-way contract or a standard deal using the Second Round Pick Exception. A standard contract could impact the team's ability to sign a third-string center while remaining under the second apron. Meanwhile, the Knicks' other second-round pick, Jack Kayil, will return to Germany to play professionally, though the team will retain his draft rights.