The New York Knicks selected guard Pacome Dadiet with the 25th overall choice in the 2024 draft. However, they doubled down on their backcourt by selecting Marquette guard Tyler Kolek with the No. 34 pick. Kolek got a four-year contract worth $9 million.
On July 5, the Knicks announced that the former Golden Eagle had signed to his rookie deal earlier that day, citing Kolek’s 99 games started over his final three seasons.
Kolek, a four-year college player, set an NBA record before even taking the court.
“Knicks’ contract with rookie Tyler Kolek sets NBA record with most guaranteed money ($6.6M) for a second-round pick,” SportsNet New York’s Ian Begley reported on X on July 5. “The previous record was Andrew Nembhard’s $6.4 million. Kolek’s Knicks contract is the
“Shades of Jalen Brunson, Goran Dragic,” The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor wrote in his assessment of Kolek. “Pure playmaker who makes his teammates better and can catch fire as a scorer.”
O’Connor ranked Kolek as the No. 25 prospect in the class, three spots ahead of Dadiet.
Nonetheless, internal confidence over Kolek’s arrival this summer could lead to early playing time next season.
Insider: Knicks High on Tyler Kolek
“I know that several people in the organization, coaching staff really liked Kolek a lot of the year and going into the draft,” Begley remarked when appearing on “SportsNite” the next day, July 5. “I believe they considered themselves fortunate to have acquired this talent. They traded up to obtain him, so they obviously valued him.
“The money reveals a lot about how the Knicks feel about Kolek.” I believe he might contend for rotation minutes rather than starter minutes here in camp. So they’re bullish on him, and he’s older, so he might make it into the rotation if he performs well in camp and during the preseason.”
