LAS VEGAS — Dillon Jones may not have played a single minute in the NBA Finals, but his influence on the championship run was significant, serving as an unofficial advisor to coach Mike Brown.
During the 2025 championship campaign with the Thunder, Jones drew from his experience to assist the team in navigating critical situations.
Coach Brown valued the insights of his young player so much that he acted on at least one piece of advice, having the Knicks replay their Game 3 defeat against the Spurs to motivate them.
A similar strategy had proven effective for the Thunder the previous year, when Jones was still coming off the bench as a reserve guard.
“Honestly, it reflects more on coach than on me and anything I suggested,” Jones commented on Monday following a victory over the Pistons in the summer league, with a final score of 86-75. “His willingness to approach me, have discussions, and even seek my input is a testament to his character. It shows his humility in listening to everyone within the organization. I’m just grateful to have contributed to the team in any way I could.”
Jones said the idea to rewatch Game 3 came up in “organic conversations” with Brown.
“Nothing specific. Just conversations me and coach had,” Jones said. “And we were just talking about different things, and it came up in an organic conversation. It wasn’t like I was just sitting home plotting on what to say or anything like that. … These things — you try different things all the time. You never know what works and what doesn’t. I’m glad I was able to help the team.”
Jones is now fighting for a training camp invite.
Mohamed Diawara (left ring finger injury) and Pacôme Dadiet (right foot soreness) both sat Monday, but the Knicks didn’t miss them — riding rookie Jack Kayil to their first summer league win.
Kayil, a second-round pick who played last season in Germany, dropped a team-high 19 points with three steals in 29 minutes.
“Very talented kid. Super gifted,” Jones said. “One thing I appreciate with him — obviously, he wasn’t available early in summer league but when he came in the group, he knew what was going on, he understood what was going on. I think that speaks to his upbringing and coming up in Europe. Very talented kid. … He’s not going there trying to overshadow. … He’s got a bright future.”
Kayil arrived late to summer league because of a contract dispute with his German club. He said he doesn’t want to be stashed overseas this season.
Another free agent center is off the board.
Or is he?
Jonas Valanciunas appeared to push back on an overseas report that he finalized a deal to sign with Lithuanian squad BC Zalgiris, posting on social media with laughing emojis, “You wake up and see that everything has been decided for you, don’t need to do anything myself. Thank you, reporters.”
Still, Valanciunas’ signing with Zalgiris — while maybe not finalized — remains expected, according to BasketNews.
Valanciunas, 34, is a free agent after being waived by the Nuggets. He’s reportedly targeted by the Knicks, who are thin at center with only Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond on the roster.