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The New York Knicks have bolstered their point guard depth with the addition of Tyler Kolek, who entered the 2024 NBA Draft after a breakout senior season at Marquette.
The Knicks traded up to No. 34 overall for Kolek, sending the Portland Trail Blazers future second-round picks, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman’s Scouting Report
Pro Comparison: Jason Preston
Scouting Report: There is debate about how much of Tyler Kolek’s scoring will carry over to the pros. But his pick-and-roll playmaking and passing are considered translatable, and he should still be able to threaten defenses as a shotmaker with his catch-and-shoot game and floater.
OG Anunoby, SF: $36.6M (2029)
Julius Randle, PF: $30.3M (2026)
Jalen Brunson, PG: $25M (2026)
Mikal Bridges, SF: $23.3M (2025)
Josh Hart, SF: $18.1M (2028)
Mitchell Robinson, C: $14.3M (2026)
Donte DiVincenzo, SG: $11.4M (2027)
Miles McBride, PG: $4.7M (2027)
Mamadi Diakite, PF: $2.3M (2025)
Isaiah Hartenstein, C: UFA
Precious Achiuwa, PF: RFA
Jericho Sims, C: Club option
DaQuan Jeffries, SG: Club option
Charlie Brown Jr., SG: RFA
Duane Washington Jr., PG: RFA
After beginning his college career with George Mason in 2020-21, Kolek transferred to Marquette and served as a three-year starter for the Golden Eagles.
Kolek developed his shooting throughout his time in Milwaukee. He improved to 49.6 percent shooting from the field in 2023-24 as he recorded a career-high 15.3 points per game.
For the second consecutive season, Kolek also sunk at least 38 percent of his shots from deep on at least three attempts per contest. He additionally distributed at least 7.5 assists for the second straight campaign.
Kolek upped his production to an average of 18.7 points through three NCAA Tournament games.
The senior point guard worked as a key operator of Marquette’s pick-and-roll to help lead the Golden Eagles to the team’s first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 2013.
Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress
Pick and roll clinic by Tyler Kolek helping Marquette advance to the Sweet 16 with a win over Colorado. Got anywhere he wanted on the floor, finishing skillfully and delivering phenomenal passes. 21 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds for the projected first round pick. pic.twitter.com/agPWRwUgtt
Kolek then showed off his improved shooting at the 2024 NBA Combine, where he went 17-for-25 on a spot-up shooting exercise and recorded 12 consecutive threes on the star drill, per Ben Steele of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The big-game playmaking ability Kolek showed during the NCAA Tournament, as well the improved shooting he demonstrated at the combine, could make him a key depth piece for the Knicks.