Tyler Kolek finds his place behind Jalen Brunson

After leaving with Cameron Paine during the off-season and retirement of Malcolm Brogdon During training camp, the backup point guard spot opened up behind Jalen Brunson in New York.

A gap that is currently filled Tyler Kolekthe Marquette sophomore authored a modest rookie season with just 41 games averaging 7 minutes. He nearly doubled this year in the first two games, averaging 4.5 points and 3 assists in 13 minutes.

I try to organize the game in attack and do what the coach asks of me. explains Tyler Kolek. “Cam Payne was (Jalen Brunson’s) backup last season, I was able to learn from him. Taking on this role when you come into the game, you want to change the rhythm and see the ball move more.”

Already last season, he showed his organizational qualities during several matches where absences accumulated (Jalen Branson, Miles McBride, Cam Payne, etc.). In March, he had three good games in a row: 8 assists against Washington, 9 against Dallas, then 7 against the Clippers.

Studying the game from the bench

Like many young players under Tom Thibodeau, Tyler Kolek watched from the bench for a long time. The minutes he used to study Jalen Brunson’s game and analyze opposing schemes.

“When you’re on the bench, you have the first few minutes of the game to analyze what the other team is doing and what we’re doing well offensively and defensively.” says Tyler Kolek. “Then I try to influence the game as much as possible when I come back.”

New Knicks coach Mike Brown appreciates the versatility and maturity of the young point guard.

“He can create for himself, but also for his teammates. He had a good game defensively against Boston. In the first half, he was good offensively. He didn’t play well in the second half, but he is a young player and he will learn from every minute he has on the field.” that’s how he appreciates the technician. “What I like about him is his intelligence, but most of all his mentality. He can handle all kinds of training and any adversity. He’s going to go through all of this and keep coming back.”

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.