In a shocking turn of events, Tyler Kolek, the highly touted guard prospect, was not selected in the first round of the NBA draft as many experts had predicted. Despite projections from major outlets like The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, CBSSports, The Ringer, Bleacher Report, and ESPN suggesting he would go as high as the 22nd pick to the Phoenix Suns or as late as the 29th pick to the Utah Jazz, Kolek found himself slipping all the way to the 34th pick where the New York Knicks finally nabbed him after a trade with Portland. This unexpected turn of events has created quite a buzz in the basketball world.
As the Knicks kicked off their Summer League campaign, Tyler Kolek wasted no time in showcasing his talents. In just two games, Kolek has impressed with his court vision and passing ability, racking up an impressive 14 assists without a single turnover. His knack for finding open teammates and setting them up for scoring opportunities has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. Despite his stellar playmaking, Kolek has struggled defensively, with his lack of foot speed being exploited by opponents. Additionally, his shooting touch, particularly from beyond the arc, has been inconsistent, raising concerns about his ability to stretch the floor in the NBA.
The Knicks, who struggled with playmaking last season, are hoping that Kolek can provide a much-needed boost in that department. With Jalen Brunson shouldering much of the playmaking duties due to Julius Randle’s absence, the addition of Kolek could give the team the depth and versatility they need in the backcourt. According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Knicks’ offense severely suffered when Brunson was off the floor, ranking among the worst in the league in offensive rating. Kolek’s emergence as a reliable playmaker could be the missing piece that elevates the Knicks’ offense to new heights.
While Kolek’s Summer League performance has been a pleasant surprise for the Knicks, the team is aware that there is still room for improvement. As the young guard continues to acclimate to the NBA game and fine-tune his skills, the Knicks are optimistic about the impact he can make in the coming season. With his potential to be a dynamic playmaker and floor general, Tyler Kolek has the opportunity to carve out a significant role in the Knicks’ rotation and prove his critics wrong. Only time will tell if Kolek can live up to his draft day expectations and become a key piece in the Knicks’ quest for success.
