The New York Knicks tipped off their start to the 2024 NBA Summer League on Saturday. The team features an exciting young roster full of recent draft picks, and some intriguing overseas prospects the Knicks think highly of. A storyline to watch in particular has emerged out of the Knicks’ Summer League backcourt.
A pair of young point guards are looking to make an impression with the Knicks in the Summer League
Tyler Kolek, the 34th overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, and Rokas Jokubaitis, also selected 34th in the 2021 NBA Draft, were featured heavily in the Knicks’ Summer League debut. Kolek got the start and finished seven points, seven rebounds, and a team-leading seven assists. The 23-year-old Marquette product was impressive, and will likely be in play for a potential rotation spot next season.
As for Jokubaitis, after spending the last three seasons overseas, the 23-year-old is at a crossroads, joining the Knicks Summer League squad for the first time since 2021. Jokubaitis will be looking to make a good impression on the team that drafted him, hoping that they will keep his rights despite being expected to return overseas next season. He played just 14 minutes Saturday, scoring eight points on 3-for-6 shooting.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Jokubaitis as it is, and the fact that Kolek played significantly more than him in the team’s first Summer League game, it’s clear that the team is prioritizing Kolek’s development first.
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Knicks are in need of a playmaking boost in the second unit
Why is this a story? Well, that would have to do with the Knicks’ rather ambiguous situation at the backup point guard position. After trading Immanuel Quickley to the Toronto Raptors in the OG Anunoby trade last season, the Knicks elevated Miles McBride to be the team’s sixth man after previously being out of the rotation.
McBride played well, averaging 10.6 points per game off the bench while knocking down 41% of his three-pointers following the trade. However, McBride’s ability to run an offense clearly still needs to develop further, as at times the Knicks’ offense would grow stagnant with McBride running the show.
With the Knicks in need of more playmaking off the bench, Kolek fits the mold to a T. One of college basketball’s best passers last season, Kolek brings a new look to the Knicks offense, while also taking a significant load off of Jalen Brunson to carry the offense.
Options running thin for the Knicks to address backup point guard
New York doesn’t have many options remaining in free agency. Patrick Beverley, Cameron Payne, and former Knick Dennis Smith Jr., among others, present the only truly viable options left. With this being the case, the Knicks might be better off giving Kolek the keys to the second unit, and allowing him to learn playing behind Jalen Brunson.
Kolek and the Knicks will get another chance to showcase their talents on Tuesday, July 16th when they take on the Brooklyn Nets.
