The Knicks' star point guard sees real potential in the second-round rookie

The New York Knicks desperately needed a second ballplayer behind Jalen Brunson for the coming season. After testing Miles McBride as a backup point guard last year, it became clear they needed someone with more vision and playmaking ability. This led the front office to sign veteran guard Cameron Payne to a one-year, $3 million contract.

Cameron Payne brings experience and playoff success

Payne is a seasoned veteran with extensive playoff experience, making him a valuable addition to the Knicks during the regular season. His ability to lead the second unit and take pressure off Brunson will be crucial. However, the Knicks also have high hopes for second-round rookie Tyler Kolek from Marquette, who has already shown signs of real upside.

Tyler Kolek's strong performance in the preseason

Kolek impressed during Summer League a few months ago and has carried that momentum into the preseason. In the Knicks' first preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 6, Kolek contributed 11 points, one assist, one rebound, two steals and one block in just 14 minutes of play, for a plus/minus of +9.

In the second preseason game, Kolek played 17 minutes, scored 15 points, had five assists and recorded two steals, finishing with a plus/minus of +2. It's impressive for a second-round rookie to make such an immediate impact, and even the Knicks' star point guard Jalen Brunson has taken notice.

Jalen Brunson sees potential in Kolek

“Besides him going to Marquette, I really like Tyler,” Jalen Brunson said, via the New York Post. “That’s my type. I'm not surprised how he played. Since I've been here I've been watching him, working on his game every day and being in the gym. If you put in the work, the results will show.”

Brunson's support speaks volumes about Kolek's work ethic and potential. It's clear the young guard has made a strong impression on the Knicks' coaching staff and his teammates.

Adapting to the speed and physicality of the NBA

Kolek is still finding his rhythm at the NBA level and adjusting to the increased speed and physicality of the professional game. Still, he remains confident that the fundamentals of basketball remain the same and is focused on improving his performance to meet the demands of the league.

“I’m still figuring it out and finding my pace,” Kolek said. “Maybe I didn’t look at the basket as aggressively in practice. So there was a certain intention in these games to get those looks because then my passing opens up everything else.”

Possible role in the Knicks' rotation

As Kolek continues to adapt and improve, there's a strong possibility that he could work his way into the Knicks' rotation at some point during the season. Head coach Tom Thibodeau has expressed his satisfaction with Kolek's early performances, which could bode well for the rookie's chances of getting more minutes.

Kolek's development will be an exciting story, especially if he can continue to impress and provide valuable minutes as a substitute behind Brunson. His strong preseason performances suggest he could become a key contributor for the Knicks as the season progresses.