Key Takeaways

  • Tyler Kolek expresses desire for Tom Brady to attend more Knicks games.
  • Kolek reflects on his fandom for Brady since his Patriots days.
  • He praises the celebrity support during the Knicks’ championship season.
  • The Knicks aim for back-to-back championships starting this summer.

Kolek’s Celebrity Wish

New York Knicks point guard Tyler Kolek is hoping to see NFL icon Tom Brady join the celebrity row at Madison Square Garden next season. Speaking at the 2026 ESPY Awards in New York City, Kolek mentioned, “He’s been there before but he has to come more often,” referring to Brady’s attendance at two games in November 2024.

A Fan’s Journey

Kolek, 25, shared his personal connection to Brady, stating, “I grew up a Patriots fan. When he left, I kind of bandwagoned and went to the Buccaneers because I wasn’t really a Patriots fan; I was a Tom Brady fan.” This sentiment highlights his admiration for the legendary quarterback.

Support from Celebrity Row

Kolek also took a moment to commend the stars who regularly support the Knicks from the sidelines, including TimothĂ©e Chalamet, Spike Lee, Tracy Morgan, and Ben Stiller. He noted, “Chalamet was there last year throughout the whole playoff run, so obviously we knew he was going to be here this year on the road, at home… All the fans—Spike, Tracy, Ben—they come to the home games, to the away games. It’s cool seeing all the support we get.”

Aiming for Back-to-Back Championships

Reflecting on the Knicks’ recent championship win—their first since 1973—Kolek expressed the collective joy felt by the team and the city. “It felt amazing, 53 years, we felt it. Not only did we feel it, but the whole city felt it, the whole fan base, so it’s been pretty special,” he said.

Looking ahead, the Knicks are focused on maintaining their success. “It starts right now, it starts in the summer,” Kolek stated. “All the work we put in leading up to the season… I know we play deep into the summer, but we’re getting back after it now. We’re getting ready to go for next year,” he added enthusiastically.

Knicks at the ESPY Awards

Kolek wasn’t the only Knicks player spotted at the 2026 ESPY Awards. Teammates Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, Jose Alvarado, and Mikal Bridges also made appearances, showcasing the team’s camaraderie off the court.

Celebrating the Championship

The Knicks recently celebrated their championship victory with a ticker-tape parade in Manhattan. Kolek humorously recalled being mistaken for a fan while trying to reboard his float, saying, “I was just enjoying myself, having a good time… It’s all good!” The celebrations continued at various New York City hotspots, including Flyfish Club and Chez Margaux.