Knicks Rookie Makes Instant Impact in Preseason Opener

The New York Knicks have promise with their rookie point guard.

Jeremy Brener | 13 Hours Ago

Mar 29, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles guard Tyler Kolek (11) drives against North Carolina State Wolfpack forward DJ Burns Jr. (30) during the first half in the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have high hopes with their rookie point guard Tyler Kolek, and he proved exactly why in the team's 117-94 win against the Washington Wizards in the team's latest preseason game at Madison Square Garden.

Kolek scored 15 points off the bench in just 17 minutes as the Knicks pulled out a victory.

As a point guard in the Big East with Marquette, it wasn't Kolek's first rodeo at MSG, but he admitted it felt different when he played at the Mecca with a Knicks jersey on.

"To have that New York across your chest, it's a different vibe," Kolek said postgame via SNY. "I'm super excited to get going."

Kolek's strong Knicks home debut caught the attention of his veteran Jalen Brunson, who shared some praise for the rookie after the game.

"I like Tyler a lot, that's my guy," Brunson said via SNY. "His confidence comes from his work ethic and he played great today.

Kolek, 23, may not see these kinds of opportunities when the regular season begins, especially with coach Tom Thibodeau choosing not to place a ton of confidence in his rookies. But Kolek is proving that he isn't just another rookie.

His five years of college experience is coming into play, and he is putting in the hard work that is necessary for him to have if he is going to see consistent minutes.

Whether he plays or not, it seems like Kolek is going to give the same kind of energy, which is very good news for the Knicks. Considering how hurt the Knicks have been over the past few years, depth is incredibly key, and the preseason is allowing Thibodeau and the team to earn trust from Kolek in case he is needed to play for the team during the year.

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Published 13 Hours Ago

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.