Knicks Challenge Celtics’ Dominance with Bold Moves
The New York Knicks responded to the Boston Celtics’ championship success by making bold moves, acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets to join their core of Villanova alumni and re-signing OG Anunoby to a long-term deal. These additions put them in a strong position to contend for an NBA title, led by their All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
Many around the league believe the gap between the Celtics and Knicks has significantly narrowed, giving New York a legitimate shot at ending a 50-year title drought in the 2024-25 season.
Shaquille O’Neal Gives Unwarranted Criticism to the Knicks
However, not everyone is convinced by the Knicks’ potential. NBA Hall of Famer and TNT analyst Shaquille O’Neal, known for his critical stance on the Knicks, commented on his podcast “The Big Podcast” that the team is “built on hype.”
“They can hype everybody else up. They haven’t won [expletive] but ‘Oohh, New York, New York.’ So [Brunson] can play. I was wrong about him. He’s impressive,” O’Neal said. “But they’re nowhere close to winning a championship. They’re gonna win some games and do this, but I’m more impressed with — at the end of your career — how many championships you won.”
The Knicks Are in a Position to Quiet the Critics
O’Neal and the national media have been harsh on the Knicks over the years, which is understandable given their long history of being a lottery team. Until they prove they can reach the next step — making it to the conference finals — the criticism is likely to continue.
However, the Knicks have shown they deserve to be taken seriously. Last season, they won 50 games and came within one game of the Eastern Conference Finals, despite numerous injuries. They have further strengthened their roster by adding Bridges and re-signing Anunoby. The Knicks were 26-6 in games that Anunoby played last year, including the postseason.
Despite losing reliable center Isaiah Hartenstein to free agency, the Knicks still have a solid center group with Mitchell Robinson returning to his starting role and Precious Achiuwa likely serving as the backup. Under defense-heavy coach Tom Thibodeau, this unit can be effective.
Additionally, Jalen Brunson is entering his prime, fresh off a season where he averaged 28.7 points, made the All-NBA second team, and finished fifth in MVP voting. With a true superstar and a strong supporting cast, the Knicks are poised to be a powerhouse in the East, with health being their main obstacle.
The Knicks now boast a deep and talented roster, but will O’Neal’s skepticism prove right in the long run? Only time will tell.