Knicks’ second-round pick could solve a problem that haunted them last season

When the New York Knicks drafted Marquette guard Tyler Kolek in the second round, many draft experts felt that he could be the steal of the draft as they were surprised to see him fall out of the first round. Obviously, Kolek will need to showcase his talents on the NBA team for that thought to come to fruition, but what he has shown thus far in Summer League gives reason to be excited about what he can bring to the squad.

Tyler Kolek showed out in his first Summer League game

In his first Summer League game, Kolek delivered seven points, seven rebounds, and seven assists without committing a turnover. ESPN analyst Tim Legler praised Kolek’s work ethic during the game’s broadcast, adding that the 6’3” guard will quickly become a fan favorite thanks to his style of play.

“He stands out, he is going to become quickly a crowd favorite in New York the way that he plays, the energy, the motor, but most importantly just how well he delivers the basketball all over the floor,” Legler said (h/t NJ.com).

Kolek could solve a problem that haunted the Knicks last season

Kolek’s play style could be exactly what the Knicks need out of their reserves, as he excelled at running an offense during his college career. In his senior year at Marquette, the 23-year-old averaged 15.3 points and 7.7 assists on 50% shooting from the field and 39% from three. He led the NCAA in total assists and was named a consensus second-team All-American.

Playmaking was something that the bench unit was badly missing last season, as Miles McBride showed the potential to be a solid facilitator but he struggled to be a consistent factor in that department. If Kolek finds his way into the rotation next season, they could have the solution for the lack of playmaking.

Kolek doesn’t like the T.J. McConnell comparisons

The young guard’s aggression and grit on the court has generated comparisons to Indiana Pacers’ guard T.J. McConnell, though he is not the biggest fan of that comparison and thinks his game resembles that of his superstar teammate, Jalen Brunson.

“[Brunson’s] game, I feel like that’s a little closer to what I like to do than T.J. McConnell: play at my own pace, getting in the paint, getting guys involved,” Kolek said via The New York Post’s Stefan Bondy. “I can really learn from him in the midrange, in that short area when I’m coming off ball screens or isolations. I’m just really excited to learn from him and watch him and take as much as I can.”

Kolek just wants to help the team win

Knicks fans quickly fell in love with Josh Hart when he came over via trade two seasons ago, and his tremendous hustle efforts during the 2024 playoffs only exemplified the fanbase’s admiration for him. Kolek has been lauded as a guy with a similar mentality, which is what makes him the ideal fit for Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. Before the draft, Kolek told ClutchPoints in an interview that “winning is in my blood,” and if he develops into the guy the Knicks are hoping he’ll be, they could have themselves another second-round gem that contributes a winning franchise.

There’s still more Summer League to be played, and given the Knicks’ surplus of guards already on the roster, Kolek will really need to prove himself worthy of earning a rotation spot on a team with championship aspirations next season. So far, however, he has done nothing but impress the team brass.