The New York Knicks appear to have landed a good one in the second round of the NBA Draft.
The Knicks on Thursday moved up to the 34th pick to select Marquette guard Tyler Kolek.
Kolek a 23-year-old, 6-foot-1 guard who's praised for his steady demeanor, shot-making prowess, heady playmaking, and toughness. He's undersized, but projects as an immediate contributor as a backup guard. Sound familiar?
One of Kolek's NBA comparisons is Jalen Brunson.
NBA Draft experts immediately praised the Knicks for the move, calling Kolek a perfect fit in New York.
The Knicks love Tyler Kolek. There was a ton of noise they’d take him first round, and he’s a steal at this point. Bucket-getter who can reliably run the show too. Great depth behind Brunson and with so many wings they can maybe play both at once. pic.twitter.com/blUm1tYhFb
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 27, 2024
Knicks fans are going to love Tyler Kolek. Honestly the perfect PG to play behind Jalen Brunson. High-IQ guard, can score the heck out of the ball as well. Love this pick for Thibs and the Knicks, perfect fit.
— Jake (@jakeweingarten) June 27, 2024
The Knicks have been enamored by Tyler Kolek for weeks and did the most due diligence talking with him, sources told me. For New York to get him at 34 on the board is a slam dunk. Kolek goes from 2023 Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player at MSG to calling it his home.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) June 27, 2024
NJ.com's Adam Zagoria called Kolek a "steal" for the Knicks.
The Athletic's Sam Vecenie said weeks ago on "The Knicks Film School" podcast that Kolek "screams Knicks."
"He checks so many of the boxes for the Knicks. He just does," Vecenie said. "He is super tough, he can really, really pass ... I think Kolek makes a ton of sense for them."
"Tyler Kolek screams Knicks"@Sam_Vecenie gives his evaluation of Tyler Kolek (Marquette) and how he could potentially fit on the Knicks if selected.
— Knicks Film School (@KnickFilmSkool) June 26, 2024
🎥: https://t.co/USoxgXlVXI pic.twitter.com/Qkni8V1YNM
The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor gave the Knicks a B+ for the pick, with his only concern that Kolek's size may make it hard to play big minutes in the NBA.
Kolek, as with any Knicks rookie, will face an uphill battle making the Knicks rotation. It doesn't seem like it'll be long, however, until he wins over Tom Thibodeau.
