Knicks part ways with trailblazing 19-year-old Dink Pate as he strives for NBA success
In a surprising turn of events, the New York Knicks have decided to waive Dink Pate, the 19-year-old forward who made headlines for being the youngest U.S. professional basketball player when he signed with the NBA G League Ignite in 2023 at just 17 years old. This decision came swiftly after initial reports indicated that Pate would be included in the Knicks’ upcoming training camp.
Breaking News on Waivers
On Tuesday afternoon, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype hinted at Pate’s potential involvement in the Knicks’ training camp. However, later that evening, Keith Smith from Spotrac announced that Pate, alongside fellow player Bryson Warren, would not be part of the team’s future plans. “The New York Knicks have waived Dink Pate and Bryson Warren,” Smith stated on X/Twitter. Both players had been signed to Exhibit 10 deals aimed at facilitating their transition to the Westchester Knicks in the G League.
Pate’s Journey So Far
Dink Pate’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After opting to skip college, he entered the G League, carving out a niche for himself in the league. His performances have shown promise, with steady improvements in scoring, rebounding, and shot selection throughout his time in the minor leagues.
During the 2024-25 season, Pate played for the Mexico City Capitanes, where he averaged 10.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, shooting 40.8% from the field. These statistics reflect his growth as a player, indicating his potential to one day make an impact in the NBA.
The Road Ahead
While this recent move by the Knicks may be a setback, it does not diminish Pate’s aspirations of climbing the ranks from the G League to NBA stardom. The basketball community will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his next steps, as he continues to hone his skills and pursue his dreams in professional basketball.
