"Prove yourself first", "He's actually right" - NBA fans give mixed reactions to Tyler Kolek getting offended with TJ McConnell comparison
Tyler Kolek, the rookie guard out of Marquette, has been surprising fans on the floor with his playmaking and confidence during his first summer league run with the New York Knicks. But when compared with Pacers veteran guard TJ McConnell, Kolek scoffed at the comparison.
"I think it's a little lazy," Kolek said to the New York Post.
Fans had mixed reactions to the comparison, with some defending the rookie for standing up for himself and his own game.
"Respect him he's right," wrote one Knicks fanpage.
"He's actually right [to be fair]," said one user.
Many fans came to highlight the compliment the Knicks rookie seemingly undermined, reminding fans that McConnell is a well-regarded player in the league.
"Prove yourself first, i guess," argued another.
"You should he HONORED to be compared to him," stated one McConnell supporter.
"TJ is the most underrated player in the NBA by far. That’s a bad take Tyler," wrote on user.
One fan acknowledged that McConnell is an admirable peer to be compared to, while also stating that perhaps a better connection can be made with the rookie.
"Lazy, but being compared to TJ isn’t a diss either," one user mentioned.
The 6-foot-3 rookie guard is two inches taller than McConnell, but his passing puts him on the same level as the veteran playmaker. McConnell has averaged 5.1 assists per game over his career, primarily coming off the bench. Kolek averaged more than seven assists per game during his two seasons at Marquette.
Tyler Kolek shines as a passer in NBA Summer League
The No. 34 pick out of the 2024 draft has played one game for the Knicks this summer, putting up an even 7-7-7 stat line (points, rebounds and assists) in a four-point loss to Brandon Miller and the Charlotte Hornets.
Kolek was instrumental for the Knicks offense, playing well alongside 2023 undrafted pick Jacob Toppin and fellow guard Duane Washington Jr. He routinely found the two shooters, who combined for 49 points and hit 6-11 threes together. He also hit one of his two three-point attempts and impressively finished the game with 0 turnovers.
The 6-foot-3 guard played in two seasons at Marquette, averaging 15.3 points and 7.7 assists per game.
He and the Knicks play their next summer league game against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday.