Knicks rookie shoots down popular NBA player comparison

New York Knicks second-round pick Tyler Kolek has higher ambitions than becoming the next T.J. McConnell.

That's no shot at McConnell, who is one of the NBA's best backup guards: a tough, steely playmaker who gets to the paint at will, finishes in the paint, and harasses opposing guards on defense.

But while speaking to reporters from Las Vegas Summer League, Kolek, who is a 6-foot-1 white point guard, said he doesn't love the comparisons to McConnell.

"It's alright," McConnell said of McConnell comparisons ( via Stefan Bondy of The New York Post ). "I think it’s a little lazy." Kolek said he does "admire" McConnell.

However, Kolek said he believes his game resembles Jalen Brunson's more than anyone else. (If nothing else, Kolek, is a shrewd quote, as a 23-year-old joining a Knicks team that just gave Brunson a four-year, $156 million extension).

"His game, I feel like that’s a little closer to what I like to do than T.J. McConnell: play at my own pace, getting in the paint, getting guys involved," Kolek told reporters. "I can really learn from him in the midrange, in that short area when I’m coming off ball screens or isolations. I’m just really excited to learn from him and watch him and take as much as I can."

Indeed, Kolek drew comparisons to Brunson in the pre-draft process, with many draft experts expecting that the Knicks would try to take him. Kolek is a crafty ball-handler who can wiggle into the paint, play different angles for passes and shots, and willingly gets others involved. He plays off of two feet and his toughness was considered an attribute the Knicks would admire.

Taken with the 34th pick, some draft experts called Kolek a "steal" for the Knicks.

Kolek impressed in his first Summer League game, going for 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.