Tyler Kolek ‘struggling to survive’ with Knicks

Kolek’s Role in the Knicks’ Dynamic

As TI’s “Bring Em Out” echoes through Madison Square Garden, the Knicks huddle in the tunnel, lining up behind Tyler Kolek.

He may not be the star player, rather a reserve guard, but he has a unique role. He leads the team onto the court and is the first face fans look for during warm-ups.

Kolek expressed that he often revisits videos of teammate McBride, who used to be the first to run out. “I always check if they’re following me when I turn that corner,” he told the media.

Concerned about potential pranks from his teammates, Kolek’s upbeat nature has still helped him become a favored presence in the locker room.

“He combines humor with professionalism,” McBride noted. “It’s great having him around. He knows how to joke around without crossing any lines. You can feel the love behind it.”

Outside of his on-court presence, Kolek’s character shines through. Josh Hart commented on how essential it is to have someone like him on the team—someone who’s consistently cheerful and brings a lighthearted energy.

The unexpected retirement of Malcolm Brogdon right before the season left the Knicks in a pinch at point guard, giving Kolek an opportunity as Jalen Brunson’s main backup. Initially, he logged about 12 minutes per game in the first four matches, but things took a dip, and he found himself more on the sidelines, averaging just over three minutes in the following ten games.

With injuries affecting key players like OG Anunoby and Landry Shamet, Kolek found himself back in action. This recent change moved McBride up to the starting lineup, making Kolek the sole ball-handling guard available from the bench.

In the last seven games, he has picked up his playtime, averaging nearly 14.4 minutes. His future on the team hangs in the balance; with Anunoby and Shamet still out, it’s crucial he cements his position to avoid the Knicks looking for another backup point guard.

Maintaining a positive attitude can be challenging with the constant changes in his role, but Kolek insists it’s vital. “For someone like me, fighting for a spot, it’s essential to offer energy and personality along with my game skills,” he said.

He understands the expectations of his position; point guards are often seen as leaders. There was a moment during a game where he made a great pass to Ariel Hukporti underneath. Instead of taking the easy shot, he directed Hukporti to take it to the perimeter, suggesting he “dunk the king ball.” The reaction was mixed, but that’s part of his role—to engage and push teammates, even through playful banter.

Kolek emphasized the importance of building relationships off the court. “My college coach always said that’s how you succeed on the court,” he shared. Those off-court connections help resolve any in-game conflicts, making for a better overall team dynamic.