Locked On Knicks - Daily Podcast On The New York Knicks
Locked On Knicks - Daily Podcast On The New York Knicks

KNICKS SQUAD SHOW: Which HOMEGROWN Player Will CRASH the Rotation?

September 12, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

“$113 million dollars, think about that on the table.” That is the number co-host Chris Achi drops early in this episode of the Locked On Knicks squad show, referring to Jalen Brunson’s famous contract discount. It sets the table for a sprawling conversation that connects three distinct but related Knicks questions: which homegrown second-rounder will crack the rotation, how the timing of Karl-Anthony Towns’ extension affects the team’s financial future, and whether the final roster spot should go to a proven veteran or a reclamation project. The throughline is the Knicks’ post-championship roster construction—balancing development, cost control, and culture fit under head coach Mike Brown’s flexible rotation philosophy.

Modi Ora vs. Tyler Kolek: Who Cracks the Rotation?

The central debate is between Modi Ora and Tyler Kolek, two second-round picks the Knicks developed internally. Dan Favale argues Modi Ora has the clearer path. “DiOra is the only guy bigger than six-five coming off the bench to play the wing on this team,” he notes, pointing out that the Knicks’ bench lacks size unless Pacome Dadiet breaks out. Favale also cites Ian Begley of SNY reporting that the Knicks are “pretty comfortable going into the season with just Andre Drummond and Karl-Anthony Towns” at center, which would force smaller lineups and more minutes for Ora as a wing who can guard up.

Continue reading the full summary in the app — free to try.

Read Full Summary →

Free • No credit card required

Listen to Audio Summary Open in App

What you'll learn

  • 1 (01:08) **Opening Argument: Which Homegrown Knicks Will Crack the Rotation?** - The hosts introduce the central debate: whether Tyler Kolek or Mo Diarra will seize a rotation spot for the defending champion Knicks.
  • 2 (02:43) **Upcoming Guest Announcement: Rick Brunson** - John Wallace reveals that his close friend and Knicks assistant coach, Rick Brunson, will be a guest on next week's show.
  • 3 (05:56) **Dan's Case for Mo Diarra: Necessity and Opportunity** - Dan explains why he favors Diarra, focusing on roster construction and a specific report about the Knicks' comfort with a smaller frontcourt.
  • 4 (07:44) **John's 1A/1B Argument: Kolek's Proven Impact** - John Wallace makes the case for Tyler Kolek, emphasizing his performance when given consistent minutes last season.
  • 5 (10:08) **The Mike Brown Factor: Trust and Opportunity** - The panel discusses head coach Mike Brown's philosophy of rewarding players who stay ready, regardless of their spot in the rotation.
  • 6 (14:36) **Pacome Dadiet's Reality Check** - The conversation shifts to a concerning assessment of Pacome Dadiet, a young player who hasn't been mentioned in the rotation discussion.
  • 7 (16:52) **Reinventing a Role: Dadiet's Path Forward** - John expands on how Dadiet can save his career by changing his mindset and focusing on the dirty work.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Chris Achi Dan Favale John Wallace

Show Notes

John Wallace, Chris Sacchi & Dan Favale of the Locked On Knicks Squad Show discuss how these two lovable Knicks can become rotation mainstays

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everyday...

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.
Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LO...

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Wayfair
Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.
Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. 
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Locked On Knicks - Daily Podcast On The New York Knicks

More from this podcast

Locked On Knicks - Daily Podcast On The New York Knicks →