Knicks’ 2nd-round NBA Draft steal could play a crucial role in 2024-25

The NBA Summer League allows the NBA’s newest draft picks to compete under heightened expectations against one another. This showcase separates the good from the great, and players often shine when they’re clear-cut above the rest.

“A clear cut above” is the perfect description for New York Knicks second-round Tyler Kolek. The 6-foot-1 guard out of Marquette shot 38% from three in his last two collegiate seasons while leading the NCAA with 7.7 assists per game. Being named second-team All-American, his manipulation as a pick-and-roll maestro has already earned turned heads following a prolific Summer League campaign. New York may have its very own Scott Skiles.

Tyler Kolek’s Summer league showing was incredible

A confident Kolek averaged seven assists per game with a 21-point night and game-winner over the Kings, followed by a near triple-double in the Knicks summer league finale. Showing his scoring range and unmatched IQ, Kolek also frequently beat his man off the dribble with his sensational hesitation and smooth first step. He looks like an NBA-ready player regardless of any talks of him being “undersized” or “lacking athleticism.”

Kolek averaged 9.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in the Summer League and has caught the eye of New York’s front office. Rumblings suggest Kolek may be ahead of Cameron Payne as the backup point guard, behind Jalen Brunson per SNY’s Ian Begley:

“The Knicks were thrilled to get Payne last week. (He signed for a veteran’s minimum deal.) At the moment, he is viewed as the third lead guard behind Kolek, who had a very strong Summer League.”

Kolek has the potential right now to be the backup point guard for the New York Knicks. Miles McBride or Cameron Payne are more shoot-first point guards and lack the playmaking abilities to possess that pass-first floor-general role. 

The Knicks’ point guard rotation raises questions entering the 2024-25 season

The loaded rotation for New York at the point guard position raises many questions going into the season. Yes, Kolek possesses the attributes to raise the Knicks ceiling even more, but there is a pecking order. A player in his first year being allowed to get prominent minutes over either McBride or the recently-acquired Payne is far-fetched under Tom Thibodeau.

Kolek will have to prove himself, and that’s the direction anticipated this upcoming season. The Knicks do not need four point guards, but say Kolek excels in the stints he’s on the floor, it wouldn’t be a surprise if New York makes a trade for a center before the next trade deadline. Kolek has the skills to make players better, and with New York having a handful of volume scoring options, the potential for Kolek is box office.