New York Knicks G League guard Dink Pate
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Dink Pate during the 2025 All-Star Rising Stars Game
For much of the season, it appeared the New York Knicks had quietly uncovered an overlooked developmental gem. But in recent weeks, that narrative has taken an unexpected turn.
Dink Pate had been steadily building momentum with the Knicks’ G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks, delivering several eye-catching performances that drew attention across league circles.
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 call-up.
However, a recent roster move complicated that path.
New York Knicks Two-Way Opportunity Passed Pate
In late January, New York signed Dillon Jones away from the Portland Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate, securing him to a two-way contract.
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.
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.
Shortly afterwards, DraftExpress analyst Jonathan Givony reported that Pate’s agent, Sam Permut, had declined multiple two-way offers from NBA teams in order to preserve his client’s NCAA eligibility.
The timing added further uncertainty to the Westchester guard’s situation. With the Knicks opting to sign Jones instead, questions quickly emerged about Pate’s immediate NBA pathway and long-term development timeline.
Despite the uncertainty, Pate’s overall season production has remained strong. Through 37 G League appearances, he is averaging 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.
After turning professional at just 17-years-old, this season has represented a meaningful step forward in his development.
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.
Knicks Rotation Changes Coincide With Sudden Dip in Form
With Jones joining Westchester, alongside recent NBA assignees Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Kolek, the team’s rotation has now shifted, impacting Pate’s role and opportunities.
Ahead of the All-Star break, his production began to decline. In a February 10 loss to the Valley Suns, Pate finished with 12 points in 30 minutes on 6-of-14 shooting, going scoreless from three-point range.
While he contributed 11 rebounds, one steal, and one block, he also committed four turnovers.
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.
His most concerning performance came on February 21, when his minutes dropped to just 19, the lowest mark of his season. He finished with five points on 1-of-6 shooting, alongside three rebounds, one steal, and one block.
Meanwhile, Dadiet, Kolek, and Jones played expanded roles, scoring 28, 19, and 15 points respectively while logging significantly heavier minutes. The shift highlighted the growing competition within Westchester’s rotation.
Fluctuating roles are common at the G League level, particularly as teams balance development priorities and NBA assignments. However, the timing of Pate’s struggles comes at a critical moment.
With NBA teams increasingly evaluating G League talent for late-season call-ups, consistency and readiness often determine opportunity.
Pate’s recent dip in production, combined with increased competition, may temporarily slow his momentum as he continues navigating a fluid and evolving developmental path.