With Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride out with ankle injuries, Tyler Kolek looks to impress as he sees serious minutes when they face the Timberwolves tonight. Kolek has been trying to crack the rotation this season and has seen increased usage under coach Mike Brown. Kolek had a career-high 16 points against the Pacers during their 114-113 win on December 18th. He also played his most minutes ever at 26, and added 11 assists to achieve his first career double-double. With key players out, all eyes will be on Kolek as he makes his case for consistent minutes.
Tyler Kolek Looks to Impress in First Start
Kolek Has a Chance to Find a Real Game Rhythm
It is tough to crack into an NBA rotation. Coming off the bench and rarely playing more than 10 minutes per game last season, Kolek hasn’t had many opportunities to find a rhythm. Starting players are afforded the time to take shots and see if they are feeling it on any particular night. A player towards the end of the bench may get one shot attempt and shortly find themselves subbed out.
Coach Brown has utilized his bench and experimented with rotations much more frequently than last year’s coach, Tom Thibodeau. With the chance to start in Minnesota tonight, Kolek can let the game come to him–much like his MVP candidate teammate Brunson does. Kolek has been trending up in minutes, but that may just be because of injuries to players like Landry Shamet and McBride.
Kolek and Brunson Have Similar Playing Styles
While Kolek isn’t the only guard that is substituted in for Brunson, he is considered the next-best ball handler, and appears to be comfortable as a floor general. He can drive to the rim and pass once he draws a defender, and he has also shown the ability to finish on his own.
Brunson simply does these things at an elite level. He has the elite ability to find space and put up his shot, as well as draw defenders to pass to an open man. With more consistent minutes, Kolek has the chance to draw fouls and create offense on his own.
The Regular Starters Will Need to Step Up
Donte DiVincenzo will prove to be a tough matchup for Kolek on the perimeter. As OG Anunoby is also out tonight, look to Karl-Anthony Towns to step up. Kolek and Towns will likely find themselves in the pick-and-roll often. If Towns gets hot on offense, then Kolek will be one of the main benefactors, seeing plenty of assist opportunities.
Towns can alleviate some pressure on Kolek by commanding attention in the paint. The rest of the offense can focus on doing what they do best, getting themselves open and cutting to the basket. Players like Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart consistently get open on the perimeter and are strong basket cutters.
With a strong performance by the other starters, Kolek merely needs to limit turnovers. If he can play smart team basketball, he will find himself gaining the confidence and trust of his team and coaches.
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