Jack Kayil has also made the leap to the NBA. The Alba Berlin guard was selected 39th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft and, via a trade, will join the reigning champions, the New York Knicks. Following Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson, Kayil is the third German to enter the NBA through this draft.
The Houston Rockets initially selected the 20-year-old with the 39th pick. However, that right was already part of a previously agreed-upon trade with the Knicks. New York had sent the 31st and 55th picks to Houston and received the 39th and 53rd picks, as well as a second-round pick in 2029, in return. Moments later, it was confirmed that Kayil’s NBA rights belonged to the defending champions.
Historic Draft for Germany
With Hannes Steinbach, Christian Anderson, and Kayil, three German players were selected in an NBA Draft for the first time since 1987. Steinbach (18) even made it into the first round, while Kayil, as an early second-round pick, also sent a strong signal for German basketball.
The player from the capital played a key role in Alba Berlin’s surprise championship run last season. In the BBL, Kayil averaged 12.2 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game.
Knicks Focus on Development
The fact that Kayil wasn’t selected until the second round comes as only a mild surprise. Many scouts had recently projected him to be picked in that part of the draft. His height, court vision, and versatility as a combo guard are considered clear strengths, while his consistency as a shooter and further progress as a primary ball-handler still offer room for growth.
The Knicks could therefore opt for the so-called “draft-and-stash” model. Under this model, an NBA franchise first secures the rights to a player, who then spends another season outside the NBA. Since second-round picks do not automatically receive a guaranteed rookie contract, New York has significantly more flexibility in its future planning.
It therefore remains to be seen whether Kayil will play for the Knicks as early as next season. It’s also possible that the Berlin native will continue to gain playing experience in Europe before making the leap to the NBA. Should he make the jump to New York immediately, another German player—Ariel Hukporti—would already be waiting for him there.
