Knicks rookie Tyler Kollek made quite an impact in Wednesday’s NBA Summer League win over the Kings, scoring 21 points and scoring the game-winning goal.
Kolek, a former Marquette star, shot 6-of-14 from the field and 60 percent from 3-point range in the Knicks’ 106-105 win in Las Vegas.
The rookie guard’s biggest play came in the final seconds of the game, when the Knicks were down two points and drove down the lane, then got fouled while attempting a layup that fell and set up a one-point chance.
Kolek made the free throws (6 of 7) to lead the Knicks to the win.
They beat the Kings in an NBA Summer League game on Wednesday. NBA TV
“Go down on my left and do what I’m doing.” he told NBA TV. Regarding and-1 play.
Korec was a second-round pick in this year’s draft and was acquired by the Knicks via Portland in exchange for three future second-round picks and the draft rights to Dani Diez.
He quickly proved he could be a big asset for the Knicks during Summer League, recording seven points, seven assists and seven rebounds in Saturday’s win over the Hornets without losing the ball.
Korec has been compared to TJ McConnell, but recently told The Washington Post’s Stefan Bondy that he feels it’s more accurate to compare his play to fellow Knicks guard Jalen Brunson.
“I feel like his game is a little closer to what I like to do than TJ McConnell’s, which is playing at my own pace, getting in the paint and getting guys involved,” Korec said. “In the short area, mid-range when coming off ball screens and isolations, I can really learn a lot from him. I’m really excited to learn from him and watch him play and learn as much as I can.”
