“Everyone has to step up. The thing is, you’re not replacing Jalen individually. You’re doing that collectively,” said Tom Thibodeau in the aftermath of Jalen Brunson’s injury update. With the New York Knicks currently holding a 3-loss streak, the last thing the team would have wanted was for one of its star players to be sidelined due to an ailment for a major period.

Unfortunately, it is now confirmed that the right ankle sprain Jalen Brunson sustained during the recent Lakers game will keep him ‘OUT’ for at least 2 weeks. This unexpected situation has caused the Knicks front office to scramble, causing them to make changes to their existing roster.

According to reports, the NY franchise has now recalled Tyler Kolek back to the NBA team. Fans might remember Kolek as the 34 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, who was initially taken in by the Portland Trail Blazers before being traded to NY.

Despite not holding a two-way contract, the young star switched his time between the New York Knicks and its G-League counterpart, the Westchester Knicks. Now, with Jalen Brunson being out for a major period, Kolek can provide the Knicks some depth in the backcourt.

In the 29 games he played alongside the New York Knicks, Kolek averaged 1.8 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. He made 0.6-1.6 (38.3%) field goals, 0.4-1.0 (39.3%) 3-pointers, and 0.2-0.2 (100.0%) free throws. Kolek did not receive much chance to prove his worth, since he averaged only 5.1 minutes.

With Brunson gone, the recall from Westchester could allow an expanded opportunity for Kolek. After all, he will be placed as an active piece for the Knicks’ current depleted backcourt. Kolek can truly ‘sink his teeth’ this time. He needs to, since even his career-high in minutes for the season so far has been only 17. That, too, was during a matchup back in November.

Tyler Kolek’s return will certainly have an impact. However, to cover for Jalen Brunson, simply bringing a rookie back from the G-League would not have been enough. Therefore, the front office made another significant decision only a few hours after the recall news was announced. A decision that Josh Hart certainly seems to be on board with.

Josh Hart gives his approval to PJ Tucker’s 10-day contract with the Knicks: “bring all them Kobe’s”

At 39 years old, P.J. Tucker has seen it all. Since being drafted 35th overall in 2006, he’s suited up for seven different NBA teams—not to mention another seven overseas. His career numbers—6.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists—don’t scream superstardom, but that’s never been his role.

What Tucker lacks in flashy stats, he makes up for with experience, toughness, and a championship pedigree. He’s a battle-tested veteran who understands his role, and for the Knicks, his versatility as a power forward/small forward could be valuable—at least for the short term.

Shams Charania recently broke the news that PJ Tucker now plans to sign with the New York Knicks on a 10-day contract. The ESPN reporter held discussions with multiple teams over the last week but eventually aligned with the NY franchise. Less than 10 minutes after Charania announced the update, Josh Hart took to X, retweeted the ESPN reporter’s post, and wrote, “Tell bro bring all them Kobe’s lol”.

P.J. Tucker has never been shy about his love for Kobe Bryant’s signature shoe line. Time and time again, he’s been spotted rocking the Kobe 4s—his go-to sneaker on the court. And he’s not the only one with a deep appreciation for the Black Mamba’s kicks.

Josh Hart has also been known to lace up in Kobe’s shoes, though his taste in sneakers comes with a bit of an edge. After all, this is the same guy who once made headlines for tossing Paul George’s sneakers in the trash. Now, with Tucker as his teammate, he’s got someone who shares that same passion for elite footwear.

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks view Tucker as an “integral addition” to their locker room. He fulfills their requirement as the team wanted someone “with an enforcer mentality” as well as “championship experience.” However, Tucker hadn’t suited up in a game this season. Therefore, he might be a bit rusty during the upcoming games.

Do you believe Tyler Kolek and PJ Tucker can cover for Jalen Brunson during these two weeks? Let us know in the comments section down below.