Knicks’ new coach must continue strong player development as potential rotation openings loom

The final image of Knicks season was a brief glimpse into the future.

When since-fired coach Tom Thibodeau waved the white flag and pulled his starters in the 125-108 season-ending loss to the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse last week, he put in three little-used rookies — Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti and Pacôme Dadiet — who have a chance to compete for meaningful roles under a new coach next year.

They played the final 1:52 of that Game 6 loss.

The Knicks drafted Dadiet with the 25th pick, while Kolek (34th) and Hukporti (58th) were both second-round picks by other teams that the Knicks acquired on draft night.

None were really part of Thibodeau’s rotation during the season.

But could a new coach have more use for them?

There are potential openings for them to take the next step next year.

That will be one of the decisions — how to structure the bench and how big of a rotation to utilize — looming for the new coach.

“They’re always high energy,” Josh Hart said of the rookies. “The toughest thing about being a young guy on an older team or a competitive team is the realization that you’re not really going to play. And when you’re used to kind of being that guy, that’s a tough pill to swallow. They come in with energy every single day. … They do what they’re asked and even more.”

Though Thibodeau grew a reputation for being resistant to significant playing time for youngsters, he and his staff excelled in player development during his tenure.

Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride went from second-round picks to important contributors.

Immanuel Quickley was a late-first-round pick who elevated into a key role before being part of the blockbuster deal for OG Anunoby.

Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle became stars under Thibodeau, while other guys like Hart went from complementary pieces to core players.

Even Isaiah Hartenstein saw his stature in the league skyrocket in his one season with the Knicks before leaving for the Thunder.

Will the new coach match, or exceed, that strong player development track record?

That would be paramount to getting the most out of the team’s crop of young talent.

Dadiet, though he was the highest pick of the trio, spent the least time in the NBA, largely staying in the G-League.

He averaged 14.9 points on 40.6 percent shooting and 31.9 percent shooting from 3-point range with Westchester in the regular season.

Kolek saw the most action, especially for a stretch when Brunson and Cam Payne were hurt.

His playmaking ability was apparent — he recorded 70 assists with just 18 turnovers.

However, his lack of quickness and strength, especially on the defensive end, were exposed at times.

Hukporti’s size and aggression showed in the few opportunities he got.

His offensive game is still developing, but he showed promise on defense and as a screener and rebounder.

At guard, Cam Payne, Delon Wright and Landry Shamet are all free agents.

If they’re not brought back, the Knicks could look to Kolek or Dadiet to step into one of those roles off the bench.

In the frontcourt, Precious Achiuwa is a free agent.

Hukporti has a similar skill set to Achiuwa, though he is much bigger.

It’s feasible that Hukporti could fill that role.

Hukporti himself has a $2 million team option.

There is Kevin McCullar Jr. too, the No. 56 pick in the draft whom the Knicks acquired on draft night.

He spent almost the whole year in the G-League, and is a restricted free agent after his two-way contract expires.

The Knicks will likely bring in veterans to fill some of those depth roles.

But if Leon Rose and the new coach want to go young, the options are there.

“They’re learning and they’re growing,” Hart said. “I think that’s the biggest thing for them. They don’t take days off. They continue to be humble and hungry.”