KFTV’s NBA Draft analyst identifies the most intriguing prospects the Knicks should consider in the 2024 draft.
The NBA Draft is slowly approaching and unlike last year, the Knicks have three picks in the upcoming draft (24,25, and 38). So in these player profiles, I will break down the strengths and weaknesses of some potential Knicks targets with the three picks they currently have.
Draft Profile
Name: Tyler Kolek
School and Year: Marquette, Senior (23 years old)
Height and Weight: 6-1, 197 Lbs
2023-24 Stats: 15.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 7.7 APG, 49 FG%
Awards: All-American, Big East POTY
Strength: Passing/Playmaking
The first thing that pops up when you watch Kolek at Marquette is his playmaking ability. He led the country in APG at 7.7, but it’s not just that he’s a great passer and playmaker—it’s his ability to make the tough pass while being doubled or put in tough PnR situations. For a guy of his size, he also possesses great velocity on his passes with great accuracy.
He also led the Big East in assist percentage at 42.1, so his ability to control the game at his pace might be his best trait as a prospect.
Tyler Kolek Passing Highlights
Strength: Scoring
Koley made a leap as a scorer from his freshman and sophomore years, especially from the outside. Over the last two seasons, he shot a blistering 39% from deep. He’s not just a good spot-up shooter but can kill you with his off-the-dribble shooting and catch-and-shoot ability. A stat that my good scouting buddy Rich (aka MavsDraft on X) brought up was that Tyler was one of three high-level major players to shoot 55% from 2P, 38% from 3P, and 85% from the line (min 100 attempts), which is tremendous, especially for a guy of his size.
You might think he might not be good at getting to the basket, but Tyler does this very well and makes it look good with his quickness and shiftiness. Accordingly to Barttorvik, he finished at the rim at nearly 60% and just knows how to finish effortlessly win either hand.
Weaknesses: Size and Age
Okay, so let’s talk about Tyler’s weaknesses, and the main thing is his size. He was listed as 6-3 at Marquette but measured in at 6-1 and 197 Lbs. He’s very small, and it shows at times, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He doesn’t have much explosion, and that also showed at the NBA Combine with his low vert numbers: 27” standing vertical and a 34” max vertical.
Kolek doesn’t have an explosive first step, which is huge for guards in the NBA, so he tends to rely on screens for a head start. Now that doesn’t mean he’s a bad defender, because he’s a great team defender and uses his high IQ to play the passing lanes, but his lack of size will sometimes hurt him.
His age is another thing that’s talked about a lot. He’s 23 and will be 24 by the end of March 2025, so some may say that limits his upside.
Summary
When I think of “Thibs” guys, Tyler Kolek is definitely on the list of guys who fit that mold. He’s a high-IQ player who can lead a 2nd unit and make everyone better. The Knicks don’t have someone who can be a dynamic playmaker.Tyler Kolek can be that guy who can unlock guys on the 2nd unit alongside Miles “Deuce” McBride and create havoc for teams. If the Knicks stay put at 24 or 25, I wouldn’t be shocked if Kolek hears his name called!
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