Knicks Rookie Named Long Term X-Factor

The New York Knicks have an important young player on the roster.

Jeremy Brener | Sep 25, 2024

Mar 29, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles guard Tyler Kolek (11) drives against North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Jayden Taylor (1) 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 are excited to have rookie point guard Tyler Kolek on the team.

The Knicks acquired Kolek in a trade for three future second-round picks, which is a hefty price on the second day of the draft.

Bleacher Report writer Grant Hughes named Kolek the team's long-term X-Factor.

"The 23-year-old looked like the backup point guard until the Knicks signed veteran Cam Payne in July. That said, the four-year deal New York handed the second-rounder is a good indicator of its confidence in his ability to eventually (or maybe immediately) seize that job. No second-rounder in NBA history has ever gotten more guaranteed money than the $6.6 million Kolek secured," Hughes writes. "Assuming Kolek does emerge with that second-unit gig at some point, his importance will exceed that of most rookies. Jalen Brunson is vital to the Knicks' offensive success, so any time he misses for rest or injury will put immense pressure on his fill-in."

Kolek will play the long game for the Knicks, but he has the time to do just that. The Knicks signed Cameron Payne with Kolek on the roster, so he shouldn't be expected to be a backup point guard at this moment in time.

For his rookie year, Kolek's primary responsibility should simply be to learn. He doesn't have the pressure of competing for a playoff-contending team, but the Knicks still hold him in high regard.

Kolek will eventually get a chance to shine, but that shouldn't be anytime this season. Therefore, he should enjoy the ride, learn what it is like to be in the NBA and to play for coach Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks, and prepare himself for life with the team in the years to come when it will be his opportunity to step up.

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Published Sep 25, 2024

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.