Will Knicks Rookie Crack Rotation?

The New York Knicks may include rookie Tyler Kolek in their rotation.

Jeremy Brener | Jul 29, 2024

Mar 29, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles guard Tyler Kolek (11) dribble against North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Michael O'Connell (12) during the second half in the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports / Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks will run either a 9-man or 10-man rotation in the upcoming season, but it remains to be seen whether there will be a spot for rookie point guard Tyler Kolek.

Kolek impressed the Knicks at the Las Vegas Summer League, but that doesn't necessarily mean he will be in the rotation for New York this season.

Bleacher Report writer Zach Buckley believes Kolek will be on the outside looking in from the rotation in his rookie year.

"Even running with a nine-man rotation will leave some capable contributors out in the cold. Three of those bench spots would go to Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo and probably Miles McBride (though there's plenty congestion at point guard). A fourth would belong to whichever backup big New York signs to support oft-injured starter Mitchell Robinson," Buckley writes. "You know who doesn't get floor time in that scenario? Tyler Kolek, whom the Knicks traded up to get at No. 34, for one. He is one of the more polished prospects in this rookie class, and he looked the part at summer league. Still, if there are only nine openings, he'd have to unseat McBride to claim one."

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau doesn't like to play rookies all that often, so if Kolek doesn't see much playing time, it shouldn't be a surprise. Even though Kolek was named the backup point guard behind veteran free agent signee Cam Payne, it will be an uphill battle for him to get playing time for a team that is vying for a playoff spot.

This just goes to show how competitive the Knicks roster is. There's a lot of talented players who could possibly get playing time in rotations of lesser teams. However, the Knicks are one of the best teams in the NBA and in order to play for them, you have to be elite.

Make sure you bookmark New York Knicks on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Published Jul 29, 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.