NBA Draft experts call Knicks' second-round pick Tyler Kolek a 'steal'

NBA Draft experts call Knicks' second-round pick Tyler Kolek a 'steal'

The New York Knicks appear to have landed a good one in the second round of the NBA Draft.

The Knicks on Thursday moved up to the 34th pick to select Marquette guard Tyler Kolek.

Kolek a 23-year-old, 6-foot-1 guard who's praised for his steady demeanor, shot-making prowess, heady playmaking, and toughness. He's undersized, but projects as an immediate contributor as a backup guard. Sound familiar?

One of Kolek's NBA comparisons is Jalen Brunson.

NBA Draft experts immediately praised the Knicks for the move, calling Kolek a perfect fit in New York.

NJ.com's Adam Zagoria called Kolek a "steal" for the Knicks.

The Athletic's Sam Vecenie said weeks ago on "The Knicks Film School" podcast that Kolek "screams Knicks."

"He checks so many of the boxes for the Knicks. He just does," Vecenie said. "He is super tough, he can really, really pass ... I think Kolek makes a ton of sense for them."

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor gave the Knicks a B+ for the pick, with his only concern that Kolek's size may make it hard to play big minutes in the NBA.

Kolek, as with any Knicks rookie, will face an uphill battle making the Knicks rotation. It doesn't seem like it'll be long, however, until he wins over Tom Thibodeau.