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Tyler Kolek recently played a prominent role with the New York Knicks in a winning effort, and coach Tom Thibodeau was impressed with the performance of the 34th pick.
With Jalen Brunson sidelined due to an ankle sprain, Kolek was called upon Saturday against the Washington Wizards. He responded with four points, eight assists, three steals and one rebound in a season-high 18 minutes off the bench.
Kolek dished out seven assists alone in the second quarter. He became the first Knicks rookie to record at least five assists and two steals off the bench since Miles McBride in the 2021-22 season.
"He has worked hard all year," Thibodeau said. "The things that he needed to do, he did. He works. He is a tireless worker. Performed well in the G League. So when the opportunity came, he was ready. And there’s still obviously a lot of work to be done, but he keeps getting better and better, and that’s a good sign."
Kolek has played sparingly with the Knicks this season, averaging 1.8 points on 35.5% shooting from 3-point range in 34 appearances. Saturday marked just the sixth time Kolek has logged more than 10 minutes for Thibodeau and the first since Jan. 1.
The 23-year-old has also spent time in the G League, making eight appearances with Westchester. He is averaging 18.5 points, 8.9 assists, five rebounds and 1.6 steals. He has two 30-point games, including a career-high 36 points and 11 rebounds on New Year's Day.
His time in the G League enabled him to stay ready for his opportunity to contribute with New York. He has made steady progress throughout the year and should have the chance to log extended minutes, with Brunson expected to miss at least another week.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Knicks news: Tom Thibodeau praises Tyler Kolek's work ethic, growth
Continue reading...
With Jalen Brunson sidelined due to an ankle sprain, Kolek was called upon Saturday against the Washington Wizards. He responded with four points, eight assists, three steals and one rebound in a season-high 18 minutes off the bench.
Kolek dished out seven assists alone in the second quarter. He became the first Knicks rookie to record at least five assists and two steals off the bench since Miles McBride in the 2021-22 season.
"He has worked hard all year," Thibodeau said. "The things that he needed to do, he did. He works. He is a tireless worker. Performed well in the G League. So when the opportunity came, he was ready. And there’s still obviously a lot of work to be done, but he keeps getting better and better, and that’s a good sign."
Kolek has played sparingly with the Knicks this season, averaging 1.8 points on 35.5% shooting from 3-point range in 34 appearances. Saturday marked just the sixth time Kolek has logged more than 10 minutes for Thibodeau and the first since Jan. 1.
The 23-year-old has also spent time in the G League, making eight appearances with Westchester. He is averaging 18.5 points, 8.9 assists, five rebounds and 1.6 steals. He has two 30-point games, including a career-high 36 points and 11 rebounds on New Year's Day.
His time in the G League enabled him to stay ready for his opportunity to contribute with New York. He has made steady progress throughout the year and should have the chance to log extended minutes, with Brunson expected to miss at least another week.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Knicks news: Tom Thibodeau praises Tyler Kolek's work ethic, growth
Continue reading...
