Knicks' Tyler Kolek makes his case as Jose Alvarado's return nears

Tyler Kolek has used Jose Alvarado's ankle injury to make the case that he should stay in the New York Knicks rotation, and that leaves coach Mike Brown with a decision once Alvarado is healthy again.

SNY reports that the second-year guard went through his first three appearances of the season with 21 assists and no turnovers in 44 minutes. That streak ended in Friday's 98-93 loss at Philadelphia. The broader numbers still look good. In Kolek's 57 minutes so far, New York has assisted on 76.5 percent of its made baskets, according to NBA Stats figures cited by SNY. That would be the best mark in the league over a full season, and it drops to 66.3 percent when he sits. Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby have both scored more per 100 possessions alongside him.

That ball security matters right now. The Knicks were 15th in turnovers per 100 possessions as of Saturday night, a step back for a team that ranked 11th last season, and the giveaways have contributed to a slow start on offense.

The Philadelphia game showed both sides of Kolek. Knicks On SI called it a rough night for him. Even so, he was one of only three Knicks to finish with a positive plus-minus, and New York was plus-8.7 per 100 possessions when he shared the floor with Towns. The outlet's conclusion was that the backup point guard job is becoming "a very fluid situation."

Alvarado brings a different set of skills. Kolek is a passer who makes up for limited athleticism with craft around the rim. Alvarado, who came over from New Orleans at last season's trade deadline and pushed Kolek down the depth chart, does most of his damage on defense by creating turnovers and can hold up against bigger players in some matchups. Neither guard shoots consistently from three. Minutes behind Jalen Brunson are also tight, with Miles McBride, Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson in the mix as well. Brown said in camp that every spot outside the starting five would be earned.

There is no timeline for Alvarado's return. ESPN reported that Friday was his fourth straight absence, and he was ruled out a day before tipoff.

What it means against Brooklyn

The Knicks are 2-4 heading into Monday's home game against the Brooklyn Nets. They have gone 2-2 in the four games Alvarado has missed. Over that stretch they lost 111-102 to Orlando, beat Detroit 111-97, came from behind to win 133-127 in Chicago and lost by five in Philadelphia. All four of the season's losses have come by nine points or fewer, and two were decided by five or less.

The margins have been thin from the start. New York has scored 642 points and allowed 646 across six games, averaging 107.0 per night and giving up 107.7. The Knicks are 1-2 at Madison Square Garden and 1-2 on the road.

If Alvarado is out again, Kolek should get the backup minutes behind Brunson once more, and Monday becomes another chance to show that his passing can cut down on the turnovers. If Alvarado is available, the Brooklyn game will give the first real look at how Brown plans to split the job between them.