When the New York Knicks drafted Tyler Kolek with the 34th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, it may not have made sense to everyone.
The team is currently led by Jalen Brunson, a star point guard. Miles McBride has shown himself to be a rotation player, his development one of New York’s feel good stories. With prospects like Oso Ighodaro and Adem Bona still available, the Knicks could have shored up their center depth. Replacing Isaiah Hartenstein —as well as just letting him walk —would’ve been that much easier.
Knicks’ Tom Thibodeau’s True Thoughts About Tyler Kolek, Revealed
As it turns out, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau “is a massive fan (of Kolek) and was pushing for the Knicks to draft him,” per The Athletic’s Fred Katz.
The Best True Point Guard In The Draft?
Kolek was arguably the best point guard in the 2024 NBA Draft. Though Stephon Castle, Rob Dillingham, Jared McCain, and Nikola Topic dominated the headlines during the draft cycle, none of them possessed the combination of prototypical skills that he did.
Neither Castle nor Topic were reliable outside shooters. Dillingham and McCain don’t have the passing instincts or court vision of a traditional lead guard. Meanwhile, Kolek shot 39.3 percent from 3 in his final two collegiate seasons while averaging 7.6 assists per game. Furthermore, in an era where point guards usually are the defensive weak links, he played passionately at that end.
Yet, what made him a fit for the Knicks wasn’t just that he’s a prototypical point guard. It’s that they didn’t have any.
At various points last season, it became clear that the Knicks could use a pass-first perimeter player. Brunson’s an excellent shot-creator whose sights are set on scoring, first and foremost. Julius Randle is a solid playmaker at his position, but is also prone to tunnel vision. OG Anunoby has never been tasked with being a facilitator. Nonetheless, as New York’s three best players, they were bound to be on the court.
Ultimately, the need for playmaking was so great that it played a role in New York promoting Donte DiVincenzo to the starting lineup. His shot-making really helped him usurp Quentin Grimes, who had become far too apprehensive about having a poor game. However, DiVincenzo’s abilities as a facilitator helped sealed the deal.
So, when the 2024 NBA Draft rolled around, the Knicks were presented with an opportunity. Rather than continuing to be reliant on DiVincenzo’s secondary playmaking, hoping for Brunson to be a more intent distributor, of waiting for McBride to become a better facilitator, they drafted Kolek.
Will He Play As A Rookie?
Looking ahead, Kolek may not be set for a steady role next season. McBride may not be dishing out dimes but he passes with flying colors at the defensive end. In addition, the Knicks signed offensively-inclined veteran point guard Cam Payne. However, his skillset could allow him to overtake both McBride and Payne on the depth chart.
So, rather than assuming that he’s going to warm up the end of the bench, it may behoove the rookie to approach the season like he’ll get a chance to be in the rotation.
