New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek is focused on consistency and increased aggression to earn a more significant role in the team's crowded backcourt. "Every day be consistent" is his stated goal, but he acknowledges the need to be more assertive when opportunities arise.
"Early on in the season, I was finishing at a high level. And then later on in the year, I was getting in there, maybe I was looking a little too passive," Kolek said Saturday. "So just looking for my shot, being more aggressive in the paint, and then that opens everything else up. Having the defense collapse, and then finding sprays for our guys."
Kolek experienced a period of heightened playing time last season when injuries to Miles McBride and Landry Shamet positioned him as Jalen Brunson's primary backup. He gained acclaim and became a fan favorite during the Knicks' NBA Cup championship run in December. However, his rotation status shifted after Jose Alvarado's arrival at the February trade deadline.
With Alvarado, Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Shamet, McBride, and Jordan Clarkson all returning, Kolek faces another challenge in securing consistent minutes. Preseason play, beginning Oct. 5 in Philadelphia, will offer an initial opportunity to impress. Kolek noted that studying Brunson's game, particularly his efficiency in the midrange and around the rim, provides a blueprint for smaller guards.
"Obviously, Jalen is amazing in the midrange, amazing with floaters, finishing at the rim," Kolek said. "So taking that aspect of the game as a smaller guard — I need to be really efficient in the paint and around the rim. And that’ll open everything else for us."
As the Knicks prepare for their Oct. 20 regular-season opener, Kolek cautioned against complacency despite the team's championship status. He anticipates the opening night will be a celebration but stressed the importance of internal focus.
"The first game will feel like a great celebration. But internally we got to block out what the fans are thinking and everything that the media is going to say," Kolek stated. "Even though we may not be picked to be the favorites, New York fans are still going to say we’re the champs and we should run it back, we should win again. But we got to stay locked in. … At this stage, though, we shouldn’t have to be motivated. We’re champions. We know what it looks like. And we’re not just satisfied with one."
Kolek also acknowledged the increased competition within the Eastern Conference, with anticipated improvements from teams like Philadelphia, Miami, Indiana, Orlando, and Toronto, alongside contenders in Detroit, Boston, and Cleveland. He views this as a recurring aspect of the NBA.
"It happens every year in the NBA. The Thunder won the year before; everybody loads up to try to beat the Thunder. We win, [and the same thing happens]," Kolek said. "It happens every single year. It’s a copycat league. Teams are trying to beat the best and compete with the best. So they do what they can."
Kolek expressed confidence in his own development heading into his third year, stating, "There’s definitely a lot left."