Tyler Kolek has seemingly locked down a spot in the New York Knicks’ everyday rotation. In reality, though, he has one more test to pass: proving that he can play extensive minutes alongside Jalen Brunson.
This part of the backup-point-guard job description too often falls by the wayside. Yes, the Knicks need someone who can captain the offense when Brunson catches a breather. Kolek is beginning to check that box, particularly when he’s playing beside Karl-Anthony Towns. But Brunson averages a touch over 35 minutes per game. His primary backup has to be fit for joint-guard duty, otherwise they’ll be limited to somewhere between 10 and 13 minutes each night.