Tyler Kolek has quickly established himself as an intriguing young talent in the NBA since being drafted in 2024. The Marquette University standout made his way to the New York Knicks, where he’s been developing his skills both with the main team and their G League affiliate.
Known for his exceptional court vision and passing ability that made him the NCAA assists leader in his final college season, Kolek has been working to translate his playmaking prowess to the professional level.
While not yet a household name, his journey from Rhode Island to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden represents the classic basketball dream – working through the ranks to reach the highest level of the sport.
As Kolek continues to adapt to the pace and physicality of the NBA, fans and analysts alike are watching his development closely. His contract situation, financial standing, and performance metrics tell the story of a player still writing the early chapters of what many hope will be a long and successful professional career.
This deep look at Tyler Kolek’s status in 2025 reveals where he stands financially and professionally as he works to carve out his place in the league.
Tyler Kolek’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tyler John Kolek |
| Date of Birth | March 27, 2001 |
| Age | 24 years |
| Education | St. George’s School (High School), George Mason University (1 year), Marquette University (3 years) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’3″ (191 cm) |
| Weight | 195 lbs (88 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2024 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $800,000 |
| Salary | $2,191,897 (2025-26 season) |
| Career Earnings | $4,279,416 |
| Wife/Husband | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Tyler John Kolek was born on March 27, 2001, in Cumberland, Rhode Island. From an early age, basketball became the center of his world as he developed his skills on local courts. Growing up in Cumberland, a small town in the northeastern United States, Kolek began to show promise as a basketball player during his childhood years. His passion for the game and natural talent became evident as he progressed through youth leagues and eventually entered high school.
Kolek initially attended Cumberland High School in his hometown, where he quickly established himself as one of the top basketball players in Rhode Island. His performance on the court didn’t go unnoticed, as he displayed exceptional skills as a guard with excellent court vision and shooting ability.
During his junior year at Cumberland High, Kolek made a significant impact, averaging 18.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. These impressive statistics earned him the prestigious Rhode Island Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year award, marking him as the top high school basketball player in the state.
Seeking to further develop his skills and gain more exposure to college recruiters, Kolek made the decision to transfer to St. George’s School for his senior year. St. George’s, a private boarding school in Middletown, Rhode Island, offered a more competitive basketball program and greater visibility to college scouts.
The move proved beneficial for Kolek’s development and recruitment prospects. At St. George’s, he continued to excel on the court, earning the 2020 NEPSAC Class B Player of the Year award. Under his leadership, St. George’s achieved an impressive 23-4 overall record and won the 2020 Independent School League Championship.
The team also advanced to the NEPSAC Class B semifinals, where Kolek delivered an outstanding performance with 39 points, showcasing his scoring ability in high-pressure situations.
After graduating from St. George’s in 2020, Kolek had several college offers but decided to commit to George Mason University, choosing the Patriots over other programs like Elon, Northeastern, Holy Cross, and Vermont. His freshman year at George Mason was impressive, as he averaged 10.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
Kolek’s performance earned him the Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Year award, recognizing him as the top freshman in the conference. His ability to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level demonstrated his readiness to compete against higher-level competition.
However, Kolek’s time at George Mason would be short-lived. Following his freshman season, the university fired head coach Dave Paulsen, leading Kolek to reconsider his future with the program. With the uncertainty surrounding the coaching situation, Kolek entered the NCAA transfer portal to explore options at other schools. After evaluating his opportunities, he decided to transfer to Marquette University, joining the Golden Eagles in the more prestigious Big East Conference.
At Marquette, Kolek continued to develop his game under head coach Shaka Smart. In his first season with the Golden Eagles (2021-2022), he focused more on playmaking than scoring, averaging 6.7 points per game while leading the Big East Conference with 5.9 assists per game. This demonstrated his versatility and willingness to adapt his game to fit the team’s needs, transitioning from a scoring guard to more of a facilitator.
Kolek’s junior year (2022-2023) at Marquette marked a significant leap in his development and recognition. He averaged 12.9 points, 7.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game over 36 contests. His exceptional play earned him the Big East Player of the Year award and a spot on the first-team All-Big East, establishing him as one of the top players in one of college basketball’s most competitive conferences.
Additionally, Kolek played a crucial role in Marquette’s success in the 2023 Big East tournament, where he was named the Most Outstanding Player after averaging 18.7 points, seven rebounds, and five assists across three games.
Professional Career
Tyler Kolek’s journey to the NBA began with the 2024 NBA Draft, where he was selected as the 34th overall pick in the second round by the Portland Trail Blazers. However, his time with the Blazers organization would be brief.
On draft night, June 27, 2024, Portland traded Kolek to the New York Knicks in exchange for the draft rights to Dani Díez and future second-round picks in 2027, 2029, and 2030. This trade brought Kolek to one of the NBA’s most storied franchises and placed him in the basketball mecca of Madison Square Garden.
Following the trade, Kolek and the Knicks quickly came to terms on a contract. On July 4, 2024, he signed a four-year deal worth $9,062,682, with $6,575,687 guaranteed. This contract represented a significant milestone in Kolek’s career, securing his place in the NBA and providing financial stability as he began his professional journey.
The structure of the deal included a team option for the final year, giving the Knicks flexibility while also providing Kolek with the opportunity to prove his value.
Kolek’s professional debut came during the 2024 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where he showcased his skills over five games for the Knicks. During this summer competition, he averaged 9.6 points on 35.6 percent shooting, along with 7.0 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 27.2 minutes per game. While his shooting efficiency wasn’t particularly high, his playmaking ability was on full display, giving Knicks fans and management a glimpse of what he could bring to the team.
When the 2024-25 regular season began, Kolek made his official NBA debut on October 22, 2024, in a game against the Boston Celtics. Although the Knicks suffered a 132-109 loss, it was a memorable moment for Kolek as he scored his first three points in the NBA. As a rookie point guard on a team with established veterans at his position, Kolek’s playing time was limited during the early part of the season, with the Knicks coaching staff taking a patient approach to his development.
Throughout his rookie season, Kolek split time between the New York Knicks and their G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks. This approach is common for developing young players, especially second-round picks, as it allows them to gain valuable playing experience while continuing to work on their skills.
In the NBA, Kolek appeared in 38 games for the Knicks during the 2024-25 season, all coming off the bench. He averaged 6.5 minutes, 1.8 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, shooting 35.8% from the field and 32.4% from three-point range.
While these numbers might appear modest, they reflect the limited role Kolek played as a rookie on a competitive Knicks team. His G League statistics with the Westchester Knicks provided a better indication of his potential, as he received more playing time and had greater freedom to showcase his abilities. In the G League, Kolek was able to display more of the playmaking skills that made him successful in college, running the offense and creating opportunities for teammates.
One of the most unique moments of Kolek’s rookie season came on January 1, 2025, when he accomplished a rare feat by playing in games for both the Westchester Knicks and New York Knicks on the same day. In the G League game, he delivered an outstanding performance with a career-high 36 points and 11 assists.
Just hours later, he suited up for the NBA club, contributing 2 points and 4 assists. This doubleheader demonstrated Kolek’s work ethic and versatility, as well as the organization’s commitment to giving him opportunities to develop and contribute.
As the 2024-25 season progressed, Kolek experienced the typical ups and downs of rookie life in the NBA. He dealt with a minor ankle injury in February 2025 that caused him to miss a game, but otherwise remained healthy throughout his first professional season. The Knicks coaching staff worked closely with him to refine his game, focusing particularly on his shooting consistency and defensive abilities, areas where he needed improvement to become a more complete NBA guard.
By the latter part of his rookie season, Kolek had begun to show flashes of the playmaking ability that made him the NCAA assists leader in his final year at Marquette. His court vision and passing skills translated well to the professional level, even if his opportunities were limited. Coaches and teammates praised his basketball IQ and work ethic, noting that he consistently put in extra hours in practice to improve his game.
Looking ahead to his second NBA season in 2025-26, expectations for Kolek have grown modestly. With a year of professional experience under his belt, he’s better prepared for the rigors of the NBA schedule and the level of competition.
The Knicks organization continues to view him as a developing prospect with the potential to become a solid rotation player, particularly if he can improve his shooting efficiency and defensive capabilities. Though still early in his career, Tyler Kolek has taken his first steps toward establishing himself as an NBA player, building on the foundation he created during his successful college career.
Tyler Kolek’s Net Worth Details
Tyler Kolek’s net worth is estimated to be $800,000 as of 2025.
Contract
Tyler Kolek is currently playing under his rookie contract with the New York Knicks, which he signed on July 4, 2024. The four-year deal is worth a total of $9,062,682, with $6,575,687 guaranteed. This contract structure is typical for second-round draft picks, providing some guaranteed money but also including team options for greater flexibility.
The final year (2027-28) is a club option that the Knicks must decide on by June 29, 2027, giving the organization control over the fourth year of his deal. Kolek’s contract was signed using the second-round exception, and he will become a restricted free agent in 2028 if the Knicks exercise his fourth-year option, allowing the team to match any offers he receives from other teams.
Salary
For the current 2025-26 season, Tyler Kolek is earning a base salary of $2,191,897, which represents a modest increase from his rookie salary of $2,087,519 during the 2024-25 season. This salary accounts for approximately 1.42% of the Knicks’ salary cap for the season, making him one of the more affordable players on the roster.
His salary is scheduled to continue increasing incrementally over the remaining years of his contract, with $2,296,271 due for the 2026-27 season and potentially $2,486,995 for the 2027-28 season if the Knicks exercise their club option. While these figures are relatively modest by NBA standards, they represent significant earnings for a second-round draft pick still developing in the league.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary | Additional Earnings | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | New York Knicks | $2,087,519 | $51,497 (NBA Cup) | $2,139,016 |
| 2025-26 | New York Knicks | $2,191,897 | – | $2,191,897 |
| 2026-27 | New York Knicks | $2,296,271 (Projected) | – | $2,296,271 (Projected) |
| 2027-28 | New York Knicks | $2,486,995 (Club Option) | – | $2,486,995 (Club Option) |
| Career Total (through 2025-26) | $4,330,913 |
Endorsements
Although not yet a major name in the endorsement world, Tyler Kolek has begun establishing partnerships with several companies. Based on sources, he has deals with TKO Miller Investment Banking, Who’s on Third, and Daps. These endorsement arrangements, while not as lucrative as those of NBA superstars, provide Kolek with supplemental income beyond his NBA salary.
As a young player still establishing his brand and reputation, these initial endorsement deals represent companies seeing potential in his marketability. Should his on-court performance and visibility increase, Kolek will likely attract more significant endorsement opportunities in the future, potentially with larger national or international brands.
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games Played | Games Started | Minutes/Game | Points/Game | Rebounds/Game | Assists/Game | Steals/Game | Blocks/Game | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | New York Knicks | 38 | 0 | 6.5 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.1 | .358 | .324 | .727 |
FAQs
1. Who is Tyler Kolek?
Tyler John Kolek is an American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks in the NBA. Born March 27, 2001, in Providence, Rhode Island, he was drafted 34th overall in 2024 and traded to the Knicks on draft night.
2. What position does Tyler Kolek play?
Tyler Kolek plays point guard for the New York Knicks. Standing at 6’3″ (some sources list him at 6’1″) and weighing approximately 195 pounds, he’s known for his exceptional court vision and playmaking abilities.
3. What is Tyler Kolek’s physical profile?
Kolek is 6’3″ tall and weighs around 195 pounds (though some sources list him at 6’1″ and 189 pounds). While not considered traditionally athletic, he controls games with crafty pace changes and manipulative movements to create advantages.
4. Where did Tyler Kolek play college basketball?
Kolek played his freshman year at George Mason University before transferring to Marquette University after coach Dave Paulsen was fired. He completed his sophomore through senior years at Marquette, where he developed into an elite collegiate point guard.
5. What awards did Tyler Kolek win in college?
Kolek received numerous accolades including Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year at George Mason, Big East Player of the Year, Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 Big East Tournament, and Consensus Second Team All-American selection in his final season.
6. What statistical achievements did Tyler Kolek have in college?
In his senior year at Marquette, Kolek led the NCAA with 7.7 assists per game while averaging 15.3 points and 4.9 rebounds. He shot 49% from the field and improved his three-point shooting to nearly 40% in his final two collegiate seasons.
7. How did Tyler Kolek enter the NBA?
The Portland Trail Blazers selected Kolek with the 34th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, then traded him to the New York Knicks for the draft rights to Dani Díez and future second-round picks in 2027, 2029, and 2030.
8. What was notable about Tyler Kolek’s NBA debut?
Kolek made his NBA debut on October 22, 2024, in a 132-109 loss to the Boston Celtics, scoring 3 points. He signed with the Knicks on July 5, 2024, officially beginning his professional career.
9. Has Tyler Kolek played in the G League?
Yes, Kolek has been assigned to the Westchester Knicks (G League) multiple times during his rookie season. On January 1, 2025, he accomplished the rare feat of playing in a double-header for both Westchester (36 points, 11 assists) and New York (2 points, 4 assists) on the same day.
10. What are Tyler Kolek’s strengths as a basketball player?
Kolek excels as a floor general who masterfully runs pick-and-rolls. He’s developed into a reliable shooter (39.8% from three in 2022), possesses excellent touch around the rim with both hands, and demonstrates high basketball IQ with instinctual defensive awareness.
