The New York Knicks scripted history in multiple ways after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, winning their first championship in 53 years. And while the celebrations are likely to continue for the time being, Tyler Kolek might take some time convincing the New York Police Department that he is indeed, an NBA champion as well.
Kolek did not play a prominent role in the playoffs simply because the Knicks did not need him to, but was mistaken for a fan by the NYPD during Thursday’s title parade, per a post on X by Kimberley Martin. The 25-year-old rushed to greet the fans lined up to see the Knicks stars but was quickly stopped by multiple policemen.
Cops mistook Tyler Kolek for a fan
#alwaysknicks pic.twitter.com/7LxI29zahb
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) June 18, 2026
One of them even appeared close to be pushing him towards the crowd before a member of the Knicks staff intervened and took him towards the rest of the group. Kolek appeared confused at the time, but had a hilariously heartwarming reaction to the confusion on X.
“I swear I’m on the team bro ,” he wrote.
I swear I’m on the team bro
https://t.co/7AJyNXAIfz
— Tyler Kolek (@tyler_kolek) June 18, 2026
Kolek played a grand total of 53 minutes during the playoffs and did not play a single minute in the NBA Finals. His last appearance came in Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the Eastern Conference Finals.
However, the point guard was a regular feature off the bench in the regular season, averaging 4.4 points, 2.7 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game across 62 appearances, only one which came as a starter. Initially acquired in a draft-night trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, Kolek was selected as the No. 34 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Hence, while the guard is still vying to establish himself as a regular in the Knicks rotation, he is indeed an NBA Champion, and did play his role when called upon throughout the season. The Finals of course did not prove to be hard work, but undoubtedly resulted in a major career highlight for Kolek.
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