Knicks’ Tyler Kolek pulls rare G-League, NBA…
Tyler Kolek unexpectedly performed a rare day-night doubleheader to start 2025.
After the rookie guard logged 40 minutes within the afternoon in a G-League recreation for the Westchester Knicks, he was pressed into the rotation for the NBA squad as a consequence of accidents to Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride.
Kolek additionally performed 12 minutes off the bench within the Knicks’ 119-103 win over the Jazz, ending with two factors and 4 assists.
Tyler Kolek seems to be to cross the ball as Jordan Clarkson of the defends within the second half of the Knicks’ 119-103 win over the Jazz on Jan. 1, 2025. Jason Szenes for New York Post
“It’s fun, man, I love playing basketball. Any chance I get, I’m gonna take the opportunity and do it,” Kolek mentioned afterward. “It was good. I had a few hours in-between. … Just tried to do what I might to get better and simply be able to go. it’s more mental than something.
“Obviously two guys go out with injuries, so you kind of gotta step in and be ready for anything no matter the circumstances.”
Kolek mentioned he discovered that Brunson was more likely to miss the sport with calf tightness earlier within the day, however he won’t have been utilized by Tom Thibodeau if McBride had been accessible.
“Great. He’s a gym rat,” Thibodeau mentioned. “So get in there, make plays. He gave us a good lift. … He’s young. He’s getting better and better. It says a lot about him.”
Tyler Kolek performed a rare NBA and G-League doubleheader on Wednesday for
the Knicks. Jason Szenes for New York Post
Derrick Rose performed for Thibodeau on three completely different groups, together with an impactful stint with the Knicks from 2021-23.
The 36-year-old Rose can have his quantity retired on Saturday earlier than the Knicks play in Chicago, the place he was a three-time All-Star and the youngest MVP in league historical past below Thibodeau’s tutelage with the Bulls.
“His numbers say what he did was incredible. He’s had an unbelievable career,” Thibodeau mentioned. “And he dealt with every part that got here his means — whether or not he was a 22-year-old MVP or going via accidents or coming back on the finish of his profession and coming off the bench.
Tom Thibodeau and Derrick Rose share a snort during a Knicks recreation towards the Pelicans on Feb. 25, 2023. AP
“Whatever role — he excelled in his role. And he was the ultimate teammate, and obviously a great player.”
Despite Rose’s profession being slowed by a number of main accidents, Thibodeau believes “there’s no question” that the previous level guard deserves a spot within the Hall of Fame.
Thibodeau mentioned Mitchell Robinson, who hasn’t performed this season following ankle surgical procedure, nonetheless hasn’t been cleared to run at full velocity and is “still in the same place but doing well.”
He famous that the Knicks are “anticipating that sometime this month he’ll be cleared to practice.”
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