Knicks Fans Rave About Tyler Kolek Pick After Trade Up with Blazers in 2024 NBA Draft
June 27, 2024
The New York Knicks traded up in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft, selecting Marquette guard Tyler Kolek with the No. 34 overall pick.
The Portland Trail Blazers initially held the pick, although the Knicks sent out multiple future second-round selections in order to receive No. 34 (via ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski).
Kolek thrived with the Golden Eagles, improving his scoring average in each season that he spent with the team. Knicks fans were excited about the choice.
Kevin O'Connor @KevinOConnorNBAThe 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. <a href="https://t.co/blUm1tYhFb">pic.twitter.com/blUm1tYhFb</a>
In his senior campaign at Marquette, Kolek averaged 15.3 points and 7.7 assists per game while shooting 49.6 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from three. He was similarly impressive as a junior, as he was named the 2022-23 Big East Player of the Year.
His age likely contributed to his second-round status, as he's already 23 years old. His measurements at the NBA draft combine weren't eye-popping either, as his 6'1.25" height represented the seventh-lowest mark among all participants.
Still, the Knicks were able to select him before he slipped past his projected draft range. In the latest second-round mock draft from Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, Kolek was chosen with the No. 33 overall pick.
"Underwhelming measurements (6'1", 6'3" wingspan) and athletic testing will make teams view Tyler Kolek as a backup," Wasserman wrote. "But he'll still draw plenty of interest, particularly from playoff teams that will see a guard who can instantly provide pick-and-roll offense, spot-up shooting and toughness."
The Knicks' bench backcourt may be a bit crowded following the team's blockbuster trade for Mikal Bridges on Tuesday, as Kolek will likely battle with Donte DiVincenzo and Miles McBride for backup guard minutes.
The former Golden Eagle should still benefit from learning under Jalen Brunson, with the All-Star point guard coming off a breakout season despite his smaller frame compared to his peers.
Kolek joins French wing Pacome Dadiet, the No. 25 overall pick, in the Knicks' 2024 draft class.
