Former Kansas basketball guard Kevin McCullar Jr. of the New York Knicks may have solidified his chances of making the NBA team’s 2025-26 roster on Sunday in Las Vegas.
McCullar, who was limited to just four games his rookie season (2024-25) as he rehabbed from a knee injury, followed his 13-point opening outing against Detroit on Friday with a game-high 30 points in the Knicks’ 94-81 loss to Boston on Sunday in NBA 2K26 Summer League action.
McCullar — the only player on the Knicks’ summer roster to score in double figures Sunday — hit 10 of 15 shots and was 9-of-10 from the line. He missed four 3s in five attempts and is 2-of-10 from beyond the arc in two summer league contests.
McCullar committed six turnovers to one assist. He also had four rebounds and two steals in 28 minutes. McCullar was whistled for eight fouls. Players are awarded unlimited fouls in the Vegas summer league.
McCullar had to leave the game in the fourth quarter after taking a shot in the face from a driving Max Shulga, who was called for a charging foul on the play. McCullar was wearing a mask at the time of contact in response to his taking a hard hit to the face in Friday’s summer league opener against Detroit.
There was no report on McCullar’s condition after Sunday’s contest.
McCullar, a 6-foot-6 San Antonio native, was a second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He scored 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting with six rebounds in Friday’s 104-86 loss to Detroit. He had three assists, three turnovers in that game in 28 minutes. He’s started both summer games.
“After a mediocre performance against the Pistons, he was lights out on Sunday,” wrote fantasyalarm.com. “McCullar was efficient as a scorer, shooting well above 50% from the field. Unfortunately, he took an inadvertent elbow to the face during the fourth quarter and had to exit prematurely.”
McCullar was on a two-way contract a year ago and according to the New York Post is expected to be re-signed to a two-way contract this season.
McCullar’s two-way deal reportedly paid him $578,577 during the 2024-25 season.
“Sunday’s performance was a beacon of potential. McCullar was the Knicks’ shining star, and whispers of what could have been — a first-round draft pick, if not for knee troubles — echoed through the stands,” wrote footboom1.com. “Yet, with nearly 25 candles on his birthday cake and scarce recent game time, the true breadth of his talent remains an enticing mystery.
“Coach Jordan Brink of the Knicks summer league was effusive with praise for McCullar’s perseverance,” that report added, quoting the coach as saying, “Kevin’s a worker. Last year, despite the injury, he had a great season fighting through adversity. He attacked his rehab and got healthy, and now he’s finally able to play every night. He missed a lot of reps due to injury, but as he gains more game experience, he’ll continue to grow.”
Hunter Dickinson sees summer league game action
Former KU center Hunter Dickinson, who is on a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, followed a five-point effort in his pro debut on Thursday against Minnesota with two points in a 94-81 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night in Vegas.
The 7-footer hit 1 of 2 shots and was 0-for-1 from the line. He also missed his only 3-point try in 14 minutes off the bench. Dickinson, who was not selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, signed with New Orleans as a free agent. He had four rebounds and two blocked shots Saturday.
Johnny Furphy 0-for-6 from 3
Also on Saturday, second-year NBA player Johnny Furphy of the Indiana Pacers scored 11 points on 5-of-12 shooting in a 104-85 loss to Oklahoma City. He missed all six of his 3-point tries. Former KU wing Furphy was 1-of-2 from the line and grabbed six rebounds with four assists in 29 minutes.
Furphy played just nine minutes in the Pacers’ opener on Friday after getting elbowed in the jaw by a Cleveland player. He hit two 3s and had eight points in that game. Furphy is 2-of-9 from 3 in summer league.
Dajuan Harris, Zeke Mayo have yet to play
Former KU guards Dajuan Harris and Zeke Mayo have not played in the first two summer league games of the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards, respectively.
They both concluded their time at KU this past season.