All one needs is a chance and that’s what former Marquette Golden Eagles star Tyler Kolek has been proving in the last seven days as he shows he can be trusted by New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau.
Tyler Kolek, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks
Mar 28, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek (13) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The 2024 34th overall pick played at least 17 minutes in a fourth straight, a far cry from his six minutes a game before last week. The team went 3-1 in that span.
The Knicks are not only keeping their grip on the third spot in the Eastern Conference, they are also discovering another role player who can they use come the playoffs.
Kolek showed it again in his first game back at the Fiserv Forum when they played and dominated the Milwaukee Bucks. He scored his highest scoring night in the last four at five points and also dished out four assists.
Marquette Golden Eagles Shaka Smart, Tyler Kolek
Mar 29, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles head coach Shaka Smart talks to guard Tyler Kolek (11) during the first 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: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Those numbers might not be staggering but it is the consistency that has people in awe. With that stat, he already owns the league’s highest assist-to-turnover ratio.
Thibodeau expresses confidence in Tyler Kolek
The New York coach is not the type to trust a rookie but with the injury to Jalen Brunson who has missed 12 straight games, his hands were forced.
Good thing form them because Kolek, who splits his time between the Knicks and their G-League team where he averages 18.5 points, 8.9 assists, and five rebounds, is always ready.
Thibodeau said he always counts on his reserves to always be ready to suit up when their name is called.
Tom Thibodeau
Mar 20, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts to a call during the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
“We said this going in, when you lose a guy like Jalen and then you lose Deuce and you lose Cam, that is a testament to those guys to be ready,” Tom Thibodeau.
“I love Tyler’s approach all year, so I’m very confident (in him). … I thought we got terrific point guard play.”
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