Tyler Kolek is really taking advantage of his first genuine chance to be in the rotation with the Knicks, although it’s come about partly due to some injuries among the players ahead of him.
With Cam Payne from Indiana and veteran Malcolm Brogdon both stepping away during training camp, Kolek has stepped up as the main backup for All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson, helping the Knicks secure a 2-0 start as they gear up for their game against Miami on Sunday.
In the season opener against the Cavaliers, he managed to score seven points and dish out two assists in just 14 minutes. Then, during the Celtics game on Friday, he played 13 minutes, scoring two points and providing four assists, although he did record three turnovers.
“I’m just trying to run the offense and follow what the coach wants,” Kolek mentioned after practice on Saturday in Tarrytown. He spoke highly of new Knicks coach Mike Brown, saying, “Cam Payne taught me quite a bit last year when he was my backup.”
“When you step into this role, you really want to impact the game somehow. You want to adjust the tempo, pass the ball more. You get a bit of time to observe the other team’s strategy and how we’re operating offensively and defensively. It’s all about participation and trying to make a difference.”
Kolek, who was drafted in the second round by Marquette last year, had limited playing time under former coach Tom Thibodeau, appearing in 41 games and averaging just 7.2 minutes per game.
Brogdon, a former Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man Award recipient, had signed a non-guaranteed contract over the summer to compete for the backup point guard role but unexpectedly announced his retirement in mid-October.
Now, at 24 years old, Kolek finds himself getting the chance to run the second unit.
“I’ve just been taking it one day at a time, not really getting caught up in any outside chatter about playing time,” Kolek shared. “It’s ultimately up to the coach.”
“For me, it’s about coming in every day, practicing hard, and showcasing my abilities. Hopefully, that leads to more playing time… I’ve worked closely with the coaching staff throughout training camp and part of the summer to really grasp the offensive system.”
Coach Brown sees Kolek as bringing “versatility and toughness,” and noted his “remarkable passing skills.”
“He can create plays for himself and others. He keeps things organized. His defensive efforts were solid,” Brown expressed. “Initially, he really stood out offensively.”
“He wasn’t as strong in the second half, but he’s young, and with time on the court, he’ll grow. I appreciate his intelligence, resilience, and spirit. No matter the guidance he receives or obstacles he faces, he tends to find his way back on track.”
Kolek added that he frequently communicated with Payne last season, even discussing observations he made about Brunson while sitting on the bench during games.
“Last year, Cam and I were mainly watching from the sidelines. It’s interesting, you pick up so much by just observing Jaylen. Learning like that is more about observation,” he explained. “It’s not really verbal. I could ask questions, but there’s a lot to gain from just watching live action. Cam would say, ‘Look at this, notice that.’ It’s an invaluable experience. I’m fortunate to have strong relationships with the veterans, both on and off the court. As a point guard coming off the bench, it’s essential for me to connect with them to know how and where they prefer the ball.”
