The New York Knicks have strategically drafted Tyler Kolek, a promising second-round rookie from Marquette, aiming to enhance their playmaking depth behind star point guard Jalen Brunson. Known for his impressive average of nearly 10 assists per game in college, Kolek has already showcased his keen vision during the Summer League. Despite his potential, the Knicks recognize the risks of relying heavily on a rookie to shoulder significant minutes, helping to supplement Brunson’s fatigue and increased injury risk (without a competent secondary ball-handler).
Experience Joins the Knicks: Cameron Payne Signs On
To address this concern, the Knicks pursued a seasoned player, resulting in the signing of veteran Cameron Payne on a one-year, $3.1 million contract.
Payne, with a history of playing for multiple NBA teams, including Milwaukee and Philadelphia last season, brings a wealth of experience. Over 78 games, including 10 starts last season, he averaged 7.4 points and 2.6 assists in just 16.7 minutes per game, shooting 43.2% from the field and an impressive 39% from three-point range.
Payne’s Role and Expectations
Ian Begley of SNY reports that Payne is expected to see substantial playing time this season, a likely factor in his decision to join the Knicks. With a career three-point shooting percentage of 36.9% and an effective field goal rate of 50.1%, Payne is not only an efficient scorer but also a solid defender—qualities that the Knicks value for times when Brunson is resting.
“I think he’s going to get significant minutes in that second unit with the Knicks. Be the floor leader for that bench unit. Which we would assume would include Josh Hart, DiVincenzo…maybe McBride. He will get consistent minutes. I don’t think he would have come here without the idea of getting minutes.
Strategic Use of Payne Amidst a Diverse Bench
With a bench already featuring Donte DiVincenzo, Miles McBride, and Josh Hart, Payne’s specific role will be crucial. Last season’s experiment with McBride as a secondary ball handler revealed his strengths lie more in spot-up shooting than in playmaking. Payne’s experience and skill set fit perfectly into the Knicks’ strategy to solidify the point guard position.
Playoff Experience and Future Contributions
Payne’s extensive NBA experience, which includes 58 postseason games, adds a valuable playoff-tested presence to the roster. His performance with the 76ers in the past playoffs—where he averaged 5.6 points and shot 44.4% from three-point range—underscores his reliability in crucial games.
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Looking Ahead: Kolek’s Development and Team Dynamics
As the Knicks integrate Payne, they also hope for significant defensive improvements and continued offensive development from Kolek. The goal is not to rush Kolek into a critical role prematurely, especially considering the growth that comes with being a second-round pick. This balanced approach should help stabilize the Knicks’ backcourt, allowing young talents to flourish without overwhelming pressure.