The defending champion New York Knicks enter the 2026-27 season with expectations as high as ever. With 34 nationally televised games, tied for the most in the league, the Knicks will be under a microscope as they attempt to defend their championship.
While Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns remain the team’s headliners, Tyler Kolek could quietly become one of New York’s most important players.
The Knicks’ starting five remains largely intact, with OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart joining Brunson and Towns. The biggest changes come in the second unit, where New York will have to replace Mitchell Robinson after he signed a three-year, $47.39 million contract with the Boston Celtics.
Andre Drummond is expected to help fill Robinson’s role in the frontcourt, while Mohamed Diawara could see more minutes after receiving inconsistent playing time as a rookie. But the biggest question may be how the Knicks distribute minutes among their crowded group of guards.
Jose Alvarado signed a three-year, $14.38 million extension, while Landry Shamet returned on a four-year, $23.98 million deal. Jordan Clarkson also re-signed on a veteran minimum contract after moving in and out of the rotation last season.
Then there is Miles McBride.
McBride has been an important part of New York’s second unit, but he enters the final season of his contract after signing a three-year, $13 million extension in December 2023. The Knicks did not reach an extension with him before the Aug. 11 deadline, meaning he will become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
With McBride’s future uncertain and trade rumors continuing to circulate, Kolek could have an opportunity to move up the depth chart.
Kolek, entering his third NBA season, is a different type of guard from many of his teammates. In an NBA built around scoring, he excels at getting others involved. His pass-first mentality makes him an intriguing option for a Knicks bench that already has several players capable of creating their own shots.
Kolek appeared in 62 games during the 2025-26 regular season, averaging four points and three assists per game. While his overall production remained modest, his shooting numbers improved from both the field and 3-point range, providing optimism that more playing time could unlock another part of his game.
His ability as a facilitator is nothing new.
At Marquette, Kolek averaged 12 points, six assists and four rebounds per game while earning multiple All-American honors. He operated as the engine of a nationally ranked program, demonstrating that he could handle a significant workload and make decisions with the ball in his hands.
The transition to the NBA, however, has presented a different challenge.
Scouting concerns surrounding Kolek have included his athletic limitations and defensive consistency. He has also been prone to turnovers and can be streaky as a scorer. Those weaknesses have contributed to his limited opportunities in New York.
But when Kolek gets into a rhythm, he has shown that he can produce.
He recorded five double-digit scoring performances last season, including a career-high 20 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His improved shooting gives the Knicks another reason to keep him involved, particularly if defenses begin to respect him as a perimeter threat.
The current second unit could feature McBride, Alvarado, Shamet, Diawara and Drummond, with Clarkson potentially serving as the first guard off the bench in an 11-man rotation. That does not leave much room for Kolek.
But circumstances could change quickly.
If McBride is traded as part of an effort to acquire frontcourt help, Kolek could be one of the biggest beneficiaries. Even if McBride remains, injuries, matchups and performance could create opportunities throughout a long NBA season.
For Kolek, the task is simple: make it impossible for the Knicks to keep him off the floor.
His passing ability, improved shooting and experience running an offense give him a skill set that is different from the other guards on the roster. If he can improve defensively, limit turnovers and become more consistent offensively, Kolek could emerge as a legitimate rotation player.
The Knicks already have their stars. Brunson and Towns will receive most of the attention, and the starting lineup will carry much of the championship pressure.
But if New York is going to repeat, it will need contributions beyond its stars.
That could give Kolek his biggest opportunity yet.
