Tyler Kolek Focuses on Consistency and Aggressiveness
Tyler Kolek isn’t making any bold statements about breaking into a competitive championship backcourt. Instead, his priority is simply “to be consistent every day.”
As the third-year Knicks guard sees it, he knows he needs to be more proactive when opportunities arise.
“At the start of the season, I was finishing strong. But later on, I felt I may have played a bit too passively,” he reflected on Saturday. “So, I’m focusing on looking for my shot, being more aggressive in the paint. That tends to open everything else up; when the defense collapses on me, I can find opportunities for my teammates.”
Kolek had a solid run last season when he briefly stepped into the Knicks’ rotation, primarily due to injuries sidelining Miles McBride and Landry Shamet, placing him as Jalen Brunson’s main backup.
He particularly stood out in December, contributing significantly during the NBA Cup championship run, quickly becoming a fan favorite.
However, with Jose Alvarado joining the team at the trade deadline in February, Kolek found himself out of the rotation once again.
Now, with Alvarado, Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Shamet, McBride, and Jordan Clarkson returning, Kolek is staring down yet another challenge for regular playing time.
But, as we know, injuries and trades occur each season, presenting him with chances to showcase his skills during the preseason, which kicks off on October 5 in Philadelphia. Plus, he has an ideal model in his teammate to emulate as a smaller point guard.
“Jalen is exceptional in the midrange, great with floaters, and skilled at finishing at the rim,” Kolek noted. “To follow that as a smaller guard, I really need to be effective around the rim. That will help open things up for all of us.”
Meanwhile, Kolek is making the most of the tail end of a championship summer. In New York City, players are still treated like celebrities. This was evident on Saturday when kids at a FlexWork Sports camp in Ardsley, N.Y., eagerly crowded around him on the court.
Like his teammates, Kolek reminded himself and others to avoid letting the adulation slip into complacency, especially with the grand festivities expected for the October 20 regular-season opener.
“The first game will definitely feel like a big celebration. But we need to block out the distractions from fans and the media,” he said. “Even if we aren’t considered favorites, New York fans will still think we’re champs and expect us to repeat. We just need to stay focused. At this point, we shouldn’t need extra motivation. We’re champions. We know what it takes, and we’re not content with just one.”
Additionally, the competition in the Eastern Conference is tightening up, with teams like Philadelphia, Miami, Indiana, Orlando, and Toronto expected to improve, not to mention other formidable contenders like Detroit, Boston, and Cleveland.
“This is what happens every year in the NBA. When the Thunder won, everyone geared up to beat them. Now that we won, it’s the same story,” Kolek said. “It’s a league full of imitation. Teams are trying to keep pace with, or take down, the best. It’s just how it goes.”
He also feels he’s made strides as he heads into his third year. “There’s definitely more to give,” he stated.
