After missing the NBA Summer League in 2022 and 2023, Lithuanian point guard Rokas Jokubaitis is poised for a comeback with the New York Knicks this year. According to Marc del Rio of Diario SPORT, the 23-year-old has received the “green light” from FC Barcelona to participate in the summer tournament.
Del Rio reported, “Change of plans after not getting a ticket for the Games. Lithuania’s failure to qualify for the Games changes the summer planning of Jokubaitis, who will still have to wait to start his vacation. And, as SPORT could confirm, the Barça point guard will play in the NBA summer league with the New York Knicks, a franchise that has its rights in the American league, after having been selected in 34th position in the 2021 draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, but having been transferred to the New York team. Barça has given the green light to Jokubaitis’s participation in the tournament, and he will soon join the team’s dynamics.”
The opportunity for Jokubaitis to return to the Knicks arose after Lithuania’s defeat to Puerto Rico, which ended their hopes of qualifying for the Olympics.
Jokubaitis was initially selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 34th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft but was traded to New York, where he made a notable impression in his lone Summer League appearance, posting 19 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals across three games.
As of July 8, the Knicks have yet to announce their 2024 Summer League roster. Their first game is scheduled for July 13 against the Charlotte Hornets. Jokubaitis’s participation is eagerly anticipated as he joins the team’s preparations, bringing fresh talent and international experience to the court.