Knicks Have One of NBA's Most Overlooked Rookies

New York Knicks point guard Tyler Kolek could surprise people in his rookie year.

Jeremy Brener | Aug 21, 2024

Mar 29, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles guard Tyler Kolek (11) reacts during the second half in the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

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New York Knicks

Rookie point guard Tyler Kolek was a surprise to fall to the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, but the New York Knicks were happy to trade up and select him with the No. 34 overall pick.

Kolek could have been chosen by the Knicks with one of their late first-round selections, but they opted to trade No. 24 and select French forward Pacome Dadiet at No. 25.

Bleacher Report draft analyst Jonathan Wasserman believes Kolek may be one of the five most overlooked rookies from this most recent draft class.

"Last year's rotation was missing a guard who can run offense and consistently create open/rhythm looks for teammates. Miles McBride's contributions revolve more around shotmaking and defensive pressure. Cameron Payne could steal some minutes from Kolek, but college basketball's assist leader last year still offers another level of feel as a facilitator," Wasserman writes. "And passing IQ typically translates. Kolek may have trouble blowing by or finishing. But the Knicks won't be calling on the rookie for scoring. He'll leave his mark on games with playmaking, setting up shooters and finishers off pick-and-rolls and penetration."

Kolek has five years worth of college experience, which should put him on a different trajectory compared to other rookies. Kolek probably isn't going to be a star in the NBA, but the Knicks aren't asking him to be anything more than who he is. Kolek can serve as a complementary role player, helping his Knicks teammates get to their spots and put them in the best position possible to succeed.

Being a table-setting point guard for one of the league's best teams won't be easy, which is why Kolek won't see too much run in his rookie year. However, he will eventually be called upon to showcase what he can do.

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Published Aug 21, 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.