New York Knicks breakout guard Tyler Kolek praises Mike Brown's coaching after win over Cleveland Cavaliers
Tyler Kolek was a star as a key member of Marquette, breaking out in his final two seasons there. Even though he proved he could be a floor general and impact player in college, upperclassmen guards like him never get drafted highly, as he'd be selected 34th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft and join the New York Knicks.
With Miles McBride and Cameron Payne ahead of him in the guard rotation, with Jalen Brunson serving as the starter, Kolek's rookie season didn't present much opportunity. While Kolek still entered the 2025-26 season behind McBride and Landry Shamet, injuries to the two guards have forced Kolek into a bigger role, and he's ran with it.
Kolek Shines On Christmas Day
Building off his first NBA start, where he logged 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, Kolek moved back to the bench, but his impact was just the same. In the first game of the NBA's Christmas slate, Kolek had 16 points, nine assists, and three rebounds off the bench to hold off the Cavaliers in a 126-124 victory for New York.
A game-high +24, Kolek, after the game, made sure to give praise to his head coach, Mike Brown, whom he gave credit to in regards to his play.
"He coaches me hard. You want a head coach that's on you - if he's not, that's more of a problem than the other way around," Kolek said. "When you're a point guard, you're an extension of the coach. If he's trying to get his message across, he's going to say it to you. Maybe he didn't mean it AT you, but he's trying to get it across to everyone on the team."
Brunson still remains the team's top option at point guard, but he doesn't play the floor general role that Kolek does. Brunson might give you 30 points any night, but Kolek serves as the facilitator and puts pressure on the rim when he's out there.
How Should New York Adjust After Players Return?
Eventually, Mike Brown and his staff will get both Shamet and McBride back and healthy, meaning they'll be forced to decide on what to do with Kolek. Keeping him off the floor doesn't make sense at this point, so perhaps the front office gets involved and moves either Shamet or McBride with another piece to acquire some more forward help for this team.
New Orleans Pelicans' Saddiq Bey is a name that has been circulating among the fan base, as he could create a strong bench rotation for the Knicks alongside Kolek, McBride, Bey, Mitchell Robinson, and Jordan Clarkson.