For the first time in a few years, the New York Knicks rotation could feature a rookie who was drafted in the same year. Guard Tyler Kolek was drafted early in the second round by the Portland Trail Blazers and immediately traded to the Knicks, and after a stellar performance in Summer League where he averaged seven assists per game, many believe New York has one of the best steals in the draft.
Despite that, the Knicks rotation is very deep, meaning there is simply no obvious path for Kolek to receive significant playing time. Fred Katz of The Athletic compared the situation to Miles McBride, a guy who was drafted in the second round but didn’t get a serious opportunity until a few years later. He added that Kolek will get his chance at some point because coach Tom Thibodeau is in love with his style of play.
“I imagine Kolek will sit on the end of the bench for most of this season. Eventually, he’ll get a chance,” Katz wrote. “Thibodeau is a huge fan and was pushing for the Knicks to draft him. But like McBride, who the Knicks drafted in the second round a few years ago before finally becoming a regular in 2024, that chance may not come for a while.”
McBride’s playing time was mostly sporadic in his first three seasons, as Immanuel Quickley occupied the backup point guard spot. Once Quickley left in the OG Anunoby deal, a spot opened up for McBride to regularly showcase his talents, and he’s since developed into a reliable backup who provides elite perimeter defense and the ability to run wild from three-point range.