Tyler Kolek’s perfect start to the season ended on Friday night with a reality check that no amount of hope can fix. The third-year guard, who had dished out 21 assists without a single turnover, coughed up the ball twice in just 13 minutes of play against the 76ers. This sudden drop in performance comes at a bad time for a player who has been the only bright spot in an otherwise struggling New York Knicks lineup.
Since Jose Alvarado suffered a left ankle sprain, the Knicks have watched Kolek advance in the hierarchy. Daily Knicks reported that Alvarado has returned to practice and is now listed as “questionable” on the injury report. This shift means Kolek must now beat out the very player he replaced to keep his spot in the rotation. While averaging more than 14 minutes per game alongside Alvarado in the rotation, these stats offer no assurance of his future once veterans recover.
The Turnover Streak Ends
For the first two seasons, Kolek struggled with ball security more than almost anyone else in the league. With 17.3 percent of his possessions ending in turnovers, he posted the 14th-highest rate among 150 players logging comparable minutes. That stat line changed completely at the start of this year, as he posted 25 assists against just two turnovers. However, Yahoo Sports noted that this impressive streak of 21 assists without a turnover finally broke on Friday.
In the game against Philadelphia, Kolek went just 1-for-3 from the field while committing two turnovers. The loss of that streak was a major blow to his case for more minutes. He was far from the only player with a bad night, as Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart all struggled in their own ways. Yet, the point guard’s inability to protect the ball when it mattered most reminded fans that the backup role is still up for grabs.
A Fluid Backcourt Battle
Until the team stabilizes, Head coach Mike Brown has stated he will remain committed to veteran players. Only when the early-season slump ends or another injury occurs will he give developmental players like Kolek more time. The situation is complicated because Alvarado offers a different skill set than Kolek. While Alvarado brings elite defense and energy, his shooting can be streaky, and he is not the same level of passer as the rookie.
Kolek has shown he can make the Knicks offense run better. When he is on the court with Karl-Anthony Towns, the team scores 8.7 more points per 100 possessions. He also assisted on 53.2 percent of the team’s baskets when he played, the highest mark in the entire league among players with more than one appearance. These numbers show why the Knicks might need to keep him in the mix, even if his recent game was a step backward.
The Path Forward
The spot remains fluid, and both guards have clear strengths and weaknesses. Alvarado’s defense was a key part of the team’s postseason success, but Kolek’s playmaking is what the offense needs right now. The Knicks have tried to give more ball-handling duties to Karl-Anthony Towns, but foul trouble has limited his impact. OG Anunoby has also seen more time with the rock, but the results have not inspired much confidence.
Kolek still finished Friday’s game with a positive plus-minus, joining just two other Knicks players who did the same. This suggests he is still a net positive for the team despite the mistakes. As Alvarado gets closer to a return, the competition for minutes will only get tougher.
