The Knicks Are Exactly Where They Deserve To Be

Back in the mid-2000s, I would go and visit family in San Marcos, Texas just outside of San Antonio. The Spurs were in the midst of a dynastic run.

My hometown Hawks were fine, but of course I was drawn to the Spurs championship titles and players like the Big Fundamental (Tim Duncan).

The Knicks meanwhile, have been one of the Hawks hated enemies, especially since the 2021 playoff run while we had Trae Young embarrass them at MSG.

I have every reason to hate the Knicks and every reason to be cheering for this young, fun Spurs team lead by 7’4 alien Victor Wembanyama.

Yet I just can’t hate this Knicks team.

Ever since Dolan took his hiatus from the team to go build the sphere in Vegas, this team has been excellently constructed.

I wrote this article in the summer of 2024 about how the Knicks had made great move after great move and they have continued to build on it.

The only really contributor on the team that the Knicks actually drafted themselves is Mitchell Robinson - everyone else they went out and got themselves.

Of course, I have to mention the Jalen Brunson discount deal. He took a $113 million discount so the team could add around him.

The only other star athlete I can think of who took discounts like this is multiple time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady (Yes, 28-3 haunts me to this very day).

Also about Brunson. He holds the largest career scoring jump from regular season to playoffs in NBA history (+6.5).

He goes from averaging 19.2 ppg in the regular season to 25.7 ppg in the playoffs. The man plays his best when the lights are the brightest.

The rest of the Knicks players have stepped up as they’ve gone on this insane playoff run as well.

The Spurs certainly could still win the Finals, but if the Knicks can win three out of the next six you certainly can’t say they don’t deserve this ring.