A Tyler Kolek season preview written right after last season would look a lot different than the one unfolding in front of your eyes now.
Alas, after a tumultuous couple of weeks out of the New York front
office, it’s unclear what Kolek’s role will be with New York moving forward. Kolek, last year’s second rounder out of Marquette, came out of college with heaps of praise. The body of work was incredible, and Kolek finished up his four-year college career poised to make an immediate impact at the NBA level. He’s a true floor general, a great passer who thrived as a playmaker, with the highest IQ out of all 10 guys on the floor.
Crafty.
After a stellar training camp and preseason heading into last year, Kolek impressed in limited action with the Knicks while shining at the G League level for the Westchester squad as well.
Despite Tom Thibodeau repeatedly overlooking Kolek in the pecking order throughout the season, the fanbase still remained hopeful about the Marquette alum’s future with the Knicks.
Expectations were high heading into this year’s Summer League, and frankly, Kolek disappointed. His three-ball was inconsistent. He piled up turnovers. While he had his moments, including a strong 24-point showing in his final game, Vegas showed that there was a lot of room left for growth.
The Knicks were quick to pick up on the fact. They responded by loading up their training camp roster with seasoned guards, adding Malcolm Brogdon, Landry Shamet, and Garrison Matthews in the past few weeks. The transactions paint a pretty clear picture of the lack of trust the Knicks have in their former draft pick to run the bench unit, and the talking heads have picked up on the fact.
With a new coach in town, it remains to be seen what Kolek’s future with New York looks like. Clearly, he’s a talented player, but his defensive concerns and age (24) mean that his upside may be limited.
At the end of the day, Kolek is a baller. All he did throughout college was perform, and he was put in a tough spot to contribute last year with Thibodeau at the helm. I’d argue that he deserves another year with the organization to try and put things together. If you disagreed, though, I wouldn’t call you wrong. There’s not much room for growth in his game. The Knicks need to win now. Development isn’t their main priority.
Kolek deserves a real look at the NBA level, but the way things have been going, it would be surprising if he ever got one in New York.
What are your thoughts on Kolek’s future in the NBA? Sound off in the comments. Let’s hear your takes.
