Skip Bayless claims the Knicks got the ‘steal’ of the NBA Draft in the second round
The New York Knicks’ second-round selection of Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel has received the seal of approval from Skip Bayless.
With the 47th selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Knicks secured the rights to 22-year-old Nickel to potentially be a rotational contributor for the Knicks’ title defense campaign next season.
With their status as defending champions, Bayless made his feelings clear on his social media.
Skip Bayless rates the Knicks’ NBA Draft selection Tyler Nickel
Bayless posted on X after the Knicks made the 47th pick in the Draft, claiming that the ‘rich get richer’ as the reigning champions pick up a versatile forward.
“The rich get richer! The champion Knicks just picked the steal of the 2nd round, 6-7 Tyler Nickel from the greatest school in America. Trust me, he can shoot it.”
Nickel is a six-foot-seven wing/forward from Vanderbilt who averaged 13.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists on 40.0% from three in 36 games as a senior. He started his NCAA career with the UNC Tar Heels before transferring to Virginia Tech, and then spending his final two seasons with Vanderbilt.
Bayless is a Vanderbilt alum, so he’s naturally inclined to root for players that make the NBA from his alma mater.
Tyler Nickel can make an impact immediately for the Knicks
Nickel is the perfect addition if the Knicks want a rotational wing that can be cost-controlled as they look to retain control of the East while dealing with a potential second-apron roster. The Knicks traded out of the first round to select Jack Kayil (No. 39) and Nickel, so they’ll be hoping for good value.
As a second-round pick, he can be signed to a minimum-scale rookie contract or two-way deal, adding depth without significant cap commitment. This makes him a low-cost three-and-D forward who can be an efficient floor-spacer.
Nickel can play across multiple positions on the wing with his size, but it’ll be important to gauge if his defensive skills can translate over to the NBA in his first season.
The Knicks have over $203 million already committed to core players and have to re-sign key contributors such as Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet.
With the second apron threshold at $222 million, additions like Nickel will help the Knicks fill their roster out with quality while also providing a backup plan if Shamet was to leave due to apron concerns.
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