Knicks’ Tyler Kolek Fighting Off Backup PG Trade Threat

The New York Knicks did something that they haven't been known to try in their regular season opener, digging deeper into their bench and giving their fringe-rotational pieces to demonstrate their value and readiness to contribute immediately.

And that expectation isn't just due to their contender-status, the sort of teams that are more pressed for wins and less-patient with those who've yet to show that they're serviceable NBA contributors. The Tom Thibodeau-led Knicks stuck to their core rotational pillars and rarely ventured into the unknown, but recent management changes have thrown off what fans had come to assume from the team.

Adjusting to a More Trusting Coaching Staff

Mike Brown had a clear understanding of the challenges he was facing in Wednesday night's home debut, with Thibodeau's replacement already down Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart in planning his lineup deployments. But he was willing to throw concepts at the wall and seeing what stuck, a willingness to experiment that was most visible in his promoting little-used prospect Ariel Hukporti to the starting five.

The rising sophomore wasn't the only benchwarmer to get a chance in the high-leverage situation, though. Tyler Kolek also got the opportunity to spin as Jalen Brunson's backup at point guard, even though he, too, had yet to assert himself as a league mainstay after last year's rookie campaign.

He turned in a solid 14 minutes, finishing on a few composed drives and splashing on this pretty jumper from deep. After he looked overwhelmed by the size and speed of NBA competition last season, his willingness to keep some of the offense flowing with bench-centric platoons had to have eased some of the concerns as to who'd keep the pieces moving while Brunson sat.

Addressing Preseason Doubts

Kolek's security as a trusted Knick was questioned before the season started, with SNY's Ian Begley predicting that the team turns to a more seasoned floor general before the trade deadline.

"Kolek could be a pleasant surprise for the Knicks, locking up the backup point guard role with his strong play. I think he has the talent to fill the role. But just based on how things work in pro sports, I think the Knicks will ultimately look for a veteran to fill that role because they are chasing a championship. It’s asking a lot of a rookie or second-year player to hold down a rotation spot on a title contender."

The Knicks have real aspirations with their season as they look to out-do their most recent playoff showing, and one serviceable game won't be enough to call off the front office's dogs. But every possession in which he demonstrates comfort in the demanding, winning environment should buy him a little bit more time, and in that regard, he's already off to a improved sophomore year.

Steph Curry Breaks Silence on Controversial Warriors Schedule

The Golden State Warriors have the most bizarre and controversial schedule of any NBA team entering the 2025-26 season. Steve Kerr’s men will play 15 back-to-backs, including a stunning five within the first 17 games. Also, Steph Curry and Co. will feature in two six-game road trips, spread across November and March.

Curry shared his honest thoughts on the Warriors’ schedule during the ninth annual “Curry Camp” in Menlo Park.

“Very interesting and different schedule than what we’re used to, just from the patterns of what I’ve noticed over the last 16 years,” Curry told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson on the Warriors’ schedule.

“But everybody’s got to play 82 and we hope to be able to get through it.”

Curry Confident in Veteran Squad

The sharpshooter admitted that the strange Warriors schedule won’t be a concern for a veteran squad boasting of himself, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III, all of whom have been around the block and seen it all in the NBA.

“You take a good amount of time just seeing the flow of the whole year,” Curry said.

“I mean, there are certain cities I love to go to. You look at New York. You look at Charlotte for me. Toronto. Mostly where family is and you try to know when you’re going to have some planning to know when you’re going to be there. Long road trips. That type of stuff. But you don’t get too deep into it.”

Curry also brushed off concerns about an aging Warriors team that many analysts have written off, citing the ages of himself, Green and Butler.

“With age comes wisdom,” Curry said of his aging Warriors. “We’ll take the ageism and all that stuff on the chin and keep it moving.”

Warriors Predicted to Sign Al Horford

The team’s collective age is likely to increase, with the Warriors widely expected to sign 39-year-old Al Horford as their new starting center.

Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale predicted that Horford will sign with the Warriors for the taxpayer’s mid-level exception.

“Depending on how the JK soap opera plays out, the Warriors could need to change up their offer,” Favale wrote. “If Kuminga proves to be ultra-expensive, it might leave them with only the veteran’s minimum to dangle. If he leaves or gets moved in a sign-and-trade, they could technically access the entire non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

“Count on the middle ground winning out again, and the 39-year-old joining Golden State for the taxpayer’s mid-level exception.”

One of the concerns for the Warriors is that Horford did not play many back-to-backs during his time with the Boston Celtics, as highlighted by ESPN’s Anthony Slater.

“He hasn’t been playing both sides of back-to-backs,” Slater said of Horford. “The Warriors can’t rely on him to be an every-night 25-minute option. But the desire is to have him in the lineup when it matters and open up space for five-man combinations, which would especially benefit a downhill driver like Kuminga.”

The Warriors kick off their 2025-26 season against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 21.