"I'm on Da Diet"- Josh Hart hilariously struggles to pronounce Knicks' 1st round pick Pacome Dadiet's name
In the 2024 NBA draft, the Knicks selected Pacome Dadiet as the 25th overall pick. With the excitement around New York to pick things up where they left off, their rookie remains an intriguing selection entering the upcoming season. Josh Hart already had some jokes about the young forward's name.
The Knicks forward played one season in the LNB Pro A and two seasons at the EuroCup. During his final year at the EuroCup, he showcased his playstyle as an aggressive scorer while being listed as 6-foot-7 with a consistent jumper at the perimeter.
During today's episode of "The Roommates Show," Hart struggled to read the rookie's last name. His podcast co-host Matt Hillman started the joke by aligning Pacome's last name to the practice of "eating healthy." After being led on, Hart backed it up with his humor. A clip of the moment was shared on X by user 50 Nuances Media (@50NuancesMedias).
"With the 25th pick, we got Pacome Dadiet," Hart said. "... Like nah, I'm on Da Diet."
Given that the Knicks were known for their stifling defense last season, it offers an opportunity for Pacome Dadiet to showcase his offensive skillset in the professional league while also adjusting to the team being a defensive unit.
Knicks rookie talked about feeling ecstatic in starting his NBA journey with the New York Knicks
In a draft pool filled with talented basketball prospects oozing with tremendous upside, Knicks rookie forward Pacome Dadiet is still in awe by the fact he got selected by an iconic NBA franchise.
From being stunned to feeling excited about the opportunity, Dadiet shared what it was like to be given this kind of opportunity.
"I don't think I really believed what was happening," Dadiet said (h/t Sports Illustrated). "It was like a dream coming true. To be honest, I always said my favorite city in the [United] States is New York. I already love the fans, so I'm really excited to start playing here."
To be welcomed with open arms by an NBA fanbase is a welcome feeling for any rookie and places more emphasis on showcasing one's capabilities on the court once the season begins.
NBA analyst's live reaction to Knicks drafting Pacome Dadiet
During this year's draft night, NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith was caught on camera giving off a mixed reaction upon New York's selection at the 25th pick.
"I'm good, I'm good," Smith said. "I have some length, I have a shooter. I like that, but not the kind of length I was talking about to replace Hartenstein. But I'm alright with that."
Regarded as a prominent member of the Knicks fanbase, Smith is known to be quite critical of his team's selections during draft day. This was evident in his reaction to the organization selecting Kristaps Porzingis with the fourth pick in 2015.
Be that as it may, he is still willing to give the young rookie the benefit of the doubt as the 2024-25 season is yet to begin.