Knicks Mailbag: How does Tyler Kolek fit into the rotation?

SNY’s Ian Begley will be responding to Knicks questions from readers. Here’s the latest…

What do you think the Cam Payne deal represents and do you think there’s gonna be a move with Miles McBride or possibly a multi-team deal ? – @jayp00_

Thanks for the question, Jay. I’d like to start here with my answer: in our video Mailbag earlier this week, I took a question from @EvanWecksell (4:51 mark) about Cam Payne. I said I thought Payne would get significant minutes next season. Turns out that, based on current rotation projections, I was wrong. Before we get to that, I just want to touch on my answer in the Mailbag. I thought Payne would get rotation minutes off the Knick bench because I knew they had interest in Tyus Jones. Jones would obviously get significant minutes with the Knicks if he’d signed here. So I assumed that the Knicks had a similar plan for Payne. That assumption was wrong.

This is where things stand with the projected rotation coming out of Summer League: Rookie Tyler Kolek is currently the backup point guard, ahead of Payne, per people familiar with the matter. The Knicks were thrilled to get Payne last week. (He signed for a veteran’s minimum deal). At the moment, he is viewed as the third lead guard behind Kolek, who had a very strong Summer League.

Will Kolek be in Tom Thibodeau’s rotation? I don’t know the answer to that question. You can certainly pencil in Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart and the Knicks’ yet-to-be-named backup center into Thibodeau’s rotation. Based on current projections after the Payne signing, Miles McBride is in the Knicks’ regular rotation. So to play Kolek, Thibodeau would need to expand his rotation to ten players.

To be clear: the above is based on where things stand coming out of Summer League. This can obviously change based on player performance during training camp/preseason.

On the backup center spot, the Knicks have remained in regular contact with free agent Precious Achiuwa. Achiuwa has drawn interest from opposing teams, including some contenders.

QUICK HITTERS:

If the Knicks are gonna make another big play for a center – do you think they are going do it before the season, or pre-trade deadline? – @SG212MSG

It’s reasonable to assume they would prefer to do it before the season. They have been talking to teams about potential options. I assume they will continue to have those conversations this offseason. Waiting until the trade deadline (or December 15, when most players who signed as free agents in the 2024 offseason can be moved), isn’t ideal. But the Knicks, by and large, have been prudent under team president Leon Rose.

Do you think with the current roster make up that Thibs would be more open to playing without a traditional center at times? – @RickAgnello

Yes. I do think the current roster would lead to Thibodeau being more open to playing with a  smaller lineup. But I also think the Knicks remain interested in adding a traditional backup center.

Ivica Zubac is extension eligible and the Clippers might not want to commit to his long term salary, could the Knicks be exploring a move for him with or without Mitch included. He seems to fit the Knicks mold of centers and is entering his prime. – @greenpandagp

Given how much money Steve Ballmer has committed to the Clippers, I assume they will try and sign Zubac long-term.