With Brunson Sidelined, Tyler Kolek’s Time to Prove Himself Is Now
Jalen Brunson’s right ankle injury may not be the nightmare scenario Knicks fans feared, but it still sends a jolt through a team that leans heavily on his playmaking heartbeat. The good news?
He’s considered day-to-day. The reality?
However long he’s out, it’s a stretch that could say a lot about the state of New York’s backcourt-and even more about Tyler Kolek’s future in it.
Let’s be clear: the Knicks’ offense runs through Brunson. Without a clear-cut second star, his absence leaves a gaping hole in the team’s offensive identity.
And while the spotlight naturally shifts to how the team will manage without him, it also shines directly on Kolek. This could be his final shot to cement himself as a reliable backup-or even a long-term piece in the rotation.
Kolek’s Role Is in Flux, and the Clock Is Ticking
There was a moment earlier this season when it looked like Kolek had arrived. The 24-year-old was playing with confidence, making smart reads, and giving the Knicks just enough stability behind Brunson to quiet talk of adding another point guard. But that moment didn’t last.
Since Deuce McBride’s return, Kolek’s role has been anything but stable. Add in Landry Shamet’s impending return, and the backcourt rotation is only going to get more crowded.
The front office’s rumored interest in adding “another ball-handler who can defend” adds another layer of uncertainty. On paper, that’s exactly what Kolek is supposed to be.
The fact that the Knicks are still looking suggests they’re not sold.
Which brings us to now. With Brunson out, the Knicks are about to get a clearer picture of what Kolek really brings when he’s not playing second fiddle.
Can Kolek Run the Show?
So far, over 70% of Kolek’s minutes have come alongside either Brunson or Jordan Clarkson-two high-usage guards who naturally dominate the ball. That means we haven’t seen much of Kolek as the sole initiator. This stretch could change that.
When Kolek has been on the floor without Brunson or Clarkson, the Knicks’ offense has sputtered, posting a 114.8 offensive rating-roughly bottom-10 territory in the league. But context matters. Those lineups have been hit by absences, most notably Josh Hart and McBride, which has made it tough to draw sweeping conclusions.
Dig a little deeper, though, and there are signs of life. Kolek and McBride have quietly formed a promising backcourt duo in limited minutes without Brunson.
Those lineups have been scoring at a blistering pace-nearly 125.5 points per 100 possessions, which would outpace even the league’s best offenses. That’s not nothing.
And then there’s Kolek’s chemistry with Karl-Anthony Towns. When those two share the floor, the offense seems to flow more naturally. If Kolek can consistently serve as the spark that gets KAT going, that might be his clearest path to locking down a role.
What This Means for the Knicks-and the Deadline
Brunson’s injury, as minor as it may be, comes at a pivotal time. The trade deadline is looming, and the Knicks are still trying to figure out who they are.
Right now, they don’t look like a finished product, let alone a title contender. There are gaps all over the roster-an inconsistent big-man rotation, shaky wing depth, and questions about perimeter shooting if Shamet isn’t ready to contribute.
That’s why this stretch matters. If Kolek can prove he’s the “ball-handler who can also defend” the Knicks are searching for, it frees up the front office to focus on other needs. It doesn’t mean he’s the long-term answer, but it would buy him time-and give the Knicks one fewer hole to patch.
This isn’t just about filling in for Brunson. It’s about showing that he can handle the pressure, run the offense, and hold his own defensively when the training wheels are off. If he can do that, the Knicks might just find value in what they already have.
Urgency Is the Name of the Game
For Kolek, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This isn’t just another stretch of games.
It’s an audition, plain and simple. With the trade deadline approaching and other guards returning to the fold, this could be his last real shot to prove he belongs in New York’s long-term plans.
And if he doesn’t seize it? The Knicks won’t hesitate to look elsewhere.
So while everyone’s watching Brunson’s recovery timeline, keep an eye on Kolek. Because what he does in the next few games might shape the Knicks’ future just as much.