Around the NBA:2025-6

[kekgeek]

Series not over yet but don’t know what to really take away from this series or the Knicks run in general.

No player in the Knicks starting 5 was drafted by the team

Brunson a year ago was said can’t win a title because he is too small and those players can’t get it done in the league anymore at their best.

Brunson is probably going to be the best player on a championship team that is not a consensus top 10 player in the NBA for the first time since the 2004 pistons.

They traded 4 first round picks for a glorified role player in Mikal Bridges who is averaging 9/4/3 in the finals.

Kat is probably one of the most polarizing players in league history. Finals MVP favorite after 2 games then to no show the next 2 (due to foul trouble that had been a big part of Kat story of his career). And reports of the Knicks going to trade him this offseason win or lose

They play a center that can’t stretch the floor at all what is a dying breed in the NBA.

They fired their head coach after making the ECF last year to hire a guy in brown I don’t think any of his previous teams would consider him a good coach. After they struck out on multiple options before settling for Brown.

Their superstar purposely took significantly less money something no super star does. While the team still employees his father like an AAU coach though 2 coaching regimes after multiple sexual assault accusations including friends of people on this board. Who knows if Brunson is getting paid under the table though his dad. Like the pay cut Jalen Brunson took just does not happen in the nba or in any professional sport really.

Their owner is considered one of the worst owners in sports and their guy making the basketball decisions was a control freak who got fired for sleeping with co workers with the wolves.

The Knicks traded 6 first round picks for their starting lineup.

Also OG Anunoby is a stud

What a unique team that goes against recent trends in nba history. Not sure what to take from it

[BeenLurkin]

Series not over yet but don’t know what to really take away from this series or the Knicks run in general.

No player in the Knicks starting 5 was drafted by the team

Brunson a year ago was said can’t win a title because he is too small and those players can’t get it done in the league anymore at their best.

Brunson is probably going to be the best player on a championship team that is not a consensus top 10 player in the NBA for the first time since the 2004 pistons.

They traded 4 first round picks for a glorified role player in Mikal Bridges who is averaging 9/4/3 in the finals.

Kat is probably one of the most polarizing players in league history. Finals MVP favorite after 2 games then to no show the next 2 (due to foul trouble that had been a big part of Kat story of his career). And reports of the Knicks going to trade him this offseason win or lose

They play a center that can’t stretch the floor at all what is a dying breed in the NBA.

They fired their head coach after making the ECF last year to hire a guy in brown I don’t think any of his previous teams would consider him a good coach. After they struck out on multiple options before settling for Brown.

Their superstar purposely took significantly less money something no super star does. While the team still employees his father like an AAU coach though 2 coaching regimes after multiple sexual assault accusations including friends of people on this board. Who knows if Brunson is getting paid under the table though his dad. Like the pay cut Jalen Brunson took just does not happen in the nba or in any professional sport really.

Their owner is considered one of the worst owners in sports and their guy making the basketball decisions was a control freak who got fired for sleeping with co workers with the wolves.

The Knicks traded 6 first round picks for their starting lineup.

Also OG Anunoby is a stud

What a unique team that goes against recent trends in nba history. Not sure what to take from it

I think the biggest take away is….fire Finch? Right?

[Q-is-here]

Series not over yet but don’t know what to really take away from this series or the Knicks run in general.

No player in the Knicks starting 5 was drafted by the team

Brunson a year ago was said can’t win a title because he is too small and those players can’t get it done in the league anymore at their best.

Brunson is probably going to be the best player on a championship team that is not a consensus top 10 player in the NBA for the first time since the 2004 pistons.

They traded 4 first round picks for a glorified role player in Mikal Bridges who is averaging 9/4/3 in the finals.

Kat is probably one of the most polarizing players in league history. Finals MVP favorite after 2 games then to no show the next 2 (due to foul trouble that had been a big part of Kat story of his career). And reports of the Knicks going to trade him this offseason win or lose

They play a center that can’t stretch the floor at all what is a dying breed in the NBA.

They fired their head coach after making the ECF last year to hire a guy in brown I don’t think any of his previous teams would consider him a good coach. After they struck out on multiple options before settling for Brown.

Their superstar purposely took significantly less money something no super star does. While the team still employees his father like an AAU coach though 2 coaching regimes after multiple sexual assault accusations including friends of people on this board. Who knows if Brunson is getting paid under the table though his dad. Like the pay cut Jalen Brunson took just does not happen in the nba or in any professional sport really.

Their owner is considered one of the worst owners in sports and their guy making the basketball decisions was a control freak who got fired for sleeping with co workers with the wolves.

The Knicks traded 6 first round picks for their starting lineup.

Also OG Anunoby is a stud

What a unique team that goes against recent trends in nba history. Not sure what to take from it

Great rundown of all the unique aspects of this Knicks team Kek. They definitely defy a lot of the axioms when it comes to title teams, e.g. Must have a top 3 player! Must build through the draft!

Here is another one: Must have great depth! Shamet and McBride have been TERRIBLE against the Spurs. Robinson is a massive target for being fouled. Alvarado is his usually feisty self, but has had a very limited impact (so the Knicks have TWO short point guards!). And you know they are getting desperate when Jeremy Sochan and Jordan Clarkson get rolled out there.

The one axiom that has held true? Staying healthy!

[FNG]

Series not over yet but don’t know what to really take away from this series or the Knicks run in general.

No player in the Knicks starting 5 was drafted by the team

Brunson a year ago was said can’t win a title because he is too small and those players can’t get it done in the league anymore at their best.

Brunson is probably going to be the best player on a championship team that is not a consensus top 10 player in the NBA for the first time since the 2004 pistons.

They traded 4 first round picks for a glorified role player in Mikal Bridges who is averaging 9/4/3 in the finals.

Kat is probably one of the most polarizing players in league history. Finals MVP favorite after 2 games then to no show the next 2 (due to foul trouble that had been a big part of Kat story of his career). And reports of the Knicks going to trade him this offseason win or lose

They play a center that can’t stretch the floor at all what is a dying breed in the NBA.

They fired their head coach after making the ECF last year to hire a guy in brown I don’t think any of his previous teams would consider him a good coach. After they struck out on multiple options before settling for Brown.

Their superstar purposely took significantly less money something no super star does. While the team still employees his father like an AAU coach though 2 coaching regimes after multiple sexual assault accusations including friends of people on this board. Who knows if Brunson is getting paid under the table though his dad. Like the pay cut Jalen Brunson took just does not happen in the nba or in any professional sport really.

Their owner is considered one of the worst owners in sports and their guy making the basketball decisions was a control freak who got fired for sleeping with co workers with the wolves.

The Knicks traded 6 first round picks for their starting lineup.

Also OG Anunoby is a stud

What a unique team that goes against recent trends in nba history. Not sure what to take from it

Outstanding summary of a bizarre team after a bizarre game. I also agree that this series is not over yet. I think the Spurs will blow them out in game 5, and game 6 will decide the series. Should be fun...

[Lipoli390]

Lol the Spurs scored 76 in the first half and finished with 106!
OG is so good. Brunsen and Kat get all the headlines but he's their most impactful player

Ditto! Yeah, having watched this series it's clear that he is at least their second best player. KAT has been good, but he also plays hot potato with the ball - almost as if he's avoiding wanting to take the big shot. Somehow OG has become a legit 2nd offensive option for the Knicks.

Another Ditto on OG! That tip-in, unlike many tip-ins in the NBA, was so clearly controlled and intentional. But that’s just a tiny example - a very meaningful one last night - of what OG does - a terrific player on both ends. As noted, he does it and does it with class

[Wolvesfan21]

This is probably worse for the Wolves. Now next year the Spurs will be on a mission. They win it this year, maybe they relax that little bit. Now watch out.

it's not gonna matter if Wemby doesn't work on his endurance. He (kinda like Ant was early) get gassed early in games. Wemby has had health issues, I know, but this is gonna hold him back from being the best in the world. If they don't add a big alongside him to alleviate some pressure, he's not gonna win a title.

I agree he is a major risk of being hurt and hurt all the time. Guys playing physical at 7-6 rarely last in the NBA. But I will say it's not a strategy either, to hope he doesn't play. I think you gotta prepare like he is going to.

[Wolvesfan21]

Series not over yet but don’t know what to really take away from this series or the Knicks run in general.

No player in the Knicks starting 5 was drafted by the team

Brunson a year ago was said can’t win a title because he is too small and those players can’t get it done in the league anymore at their best.

Brunson is probably going to be the best player on a championship team that is not a consensus top 10 player in the NBA for the first time since the 2004 pistons.

They traded 4 first round picks for a glorified role player in Mikal Bridges who is averaging 9/4/3 in the finals.

Kat is probably one of the most polarizing players in league history. Finals MVP favorite after 2 games then to no show the next 2 (due to foul trouble that had been a big part of Kat story of his career). And reports of the Knicks going to trade him this offseason win or lose

They play a center that can’t stretch the floor at all what is a dying breed in the NBA.

They fired their head coach after making the ECF last year to hire a guy in brown I don’t think any of his previous teams would consider him a good coach. After they struck out on multiple options before settling for Brown.

Their superstar purposely took significantly less money something no super star does. While the team still employees his father like an AAU coach though 2 coaching regimes after multiple sexual assault accusations including friends of people on this board. Who knows if Brunson is getting paid under the table though his dad. Like the pay cut Jalen Brunson took just does not happen in the nba or in any professional sport really.

Their owner is considered one of the worst owners in sports and their guy making the basketball decisions was a control freak who got fired for sleeping with co workers with the wolves.

The Knicks traded 6 first round picks for their starting lineup.

Also OG Anunoby is a stud

What a unique team that goes against recent trends in nba history. Not sure what to take from it

I think the biggest take away is….fire Finch? Right?

They're not winning the title with Thibs, just like we won't with Finch. Sorry Finchie, you're cooked.

[Lipoli390]

Series not over yet but don’t know what to really take away from this series or the Knicks run in general.

No player in the Knicks starting 5 was drafted by the team

Brunson a year ago was said can’t win a title because he is too small and those players can’t get it done in the league anymore at their best.

Brunson is probably going to be the best player on a championship team that is not a consensus top 10 player in the NBA for the first time since the 2004 pistons.

They traded 4 first round picks for a glorified role player in Mikal Bridges who is averaging 9/4/3 in the finals.

Kat is probably one of the most polarizing players in league history. Finals MVP favorite after 2 games then to no show the next 2 (due to foul trouble that had been a big part of Kat story of his career). And reports of the Knicks going to trade him this offseason win or lose

They play a center that can’t stretch the floor at all what is a dying breed in the NBA.

They fired their head coach after making the ECF last year to hire a guy in brown I don’t think any of his previous teams would consider him a good coach. After they struck out on multiple options before settling for Brown.

Their superstar purposely took significantly less money something no super star does. While the team still employees his father like an AAU coach though 2 coaching regimes after multiple sexual assault accusations including friends of people on this board. Who knows if Brunson is getting paid under the table though his dad. Like the pay cut Jalen Brunson took just does not happen in the nba or in any professional sport really.

Their owner is considered one of the worst owners in sports and their guy making the basketball decisions was a control freak who got fired for sleeping with co workers with the wolves.

The Knicks traded 6 first round picks for their starting lineup.

Also OG Anunoby is a stud

What a unique team that goes against recent trends in nba history. Not sure what to take from it

Great post, Kek! Although, I’ll note that Mitchell Robinson was actually drafted by the Knicks in 2018 and KAT is actually their starting center with Robinson coming off the bench. I also think it’s not quite accurate to label Bridges a “glorified role player.” Yes, he’s not putting up impressive numbers in the Finals, but he was very good all season - playing as a starter and averaging 33 minutes per game while scoring 14.4 points on 49% FG shooting (37% from behind the arc). You can call him a role player I guess, but “glorified” is an unfair pejorative in this context.

I think your question was intended to be rhetorical but I’ll give the obvious answer anyway: Nothing generally. This is one of those anomalies in sports, as in life, that just happens. It would be a big mistake to use it as a model or example of how to do things.

However, I do think there are maybe three lessons we can take from the Knicks roster construction:

1. Lesson #1: You win with rotation players who are all in their 20s (maybe a couple in their very early 30s). As Charles Barkley has said a number of times: “It’s a young man’s game.” It’s a combination of relying on players at the top of their games physically and also to some extent being of a similar age. All the Knicks’ rotation players were acquired when in their late 20s and the two oldest players in their rotation right now are still only 30 while the majority are 27-29 years old (unless you include Clarkson, who is 33). Bridges was acquired at 28 and is now 29. Brunson was acquired at 26 and is now 29. Anunoby was acquired at 26 and is now 28 KAT was acquired at 29 and is now 30, Hart was acquired at age 27 and is now 30. Alvarado was acquired at 28 less than a year ago. Shamet was acquired at 27 and is now 28. The Knicks actually drafted Mitchell Robinson with the 36th pick in 2018. Of course the next two best teams - the Spurs and OKC - are even younger than the Knicks. The Spurs’ rotation includes Fox at age 28 and Kornet at age 30; the other rotation guys are all ages 21-26. OKC has only one rotation player over 30 - Caruso at age 32 - and their three best players are SGA (27), Jalen Willams (25), and Holmgren (24).

2. Lesson #2: You win when your best players are tough-minded. You have to give the Knicks front office credit for the types of players they’ve acquired. Yes, they acquired physically talented players, but just as importantly they acquired players who are generally tough-minded - especially Brunson, OG and Hart. I guess KAT is an exception. . But your core can have a great but generally weak-minded player like KAT if you surround him with core guys like Brunson, OG and Hart.

3. Lesson #3. You need roster depth to win. The Knicks, OKC and Spurs all have pretty deep rotations. The days are long gone (if they ever existed) when you can just rely on two or three core guys with three more good supported role players.

[Phenom]

I'm curious about something. Why didn't Brunson go into the Spurs huddle with 8 minutes left and congratulate them?

Did Mike Brown call it?

[Lipoli390]

Series not over yet but don’t know what to really take away from this series or the Knicks run in general.

No player in the Knicks starting 5 was drafted by the team

Brunson a year ago was said can’t win a title because he is too small and those players can’t get it done in the league anymore at their best.

Brunson is probably going to be the best player on a championship team that is not a consensus top 10 player in the NBA for the first time since the 2004 pistons.

They traded 4 first round picks for a glorified role player in Mikal Bridges who is averaging 9/4/3 in the finals.

Kat is probably one of the most polarizing players in league history. Finals MVP favorite after 2 games then to no show the next 2 (due to foul trouble that had been a big part of Kat story of his career). And reports of the Knicks going to trade him this offseason win or lose

They play a center that can’t stretch the floor at all what is a dying breed in the NBA.

They fired their head coach after making the ECF last year to hire a guy in brown I don’t think any of his previous teams would consider him a good coach. After they struck out on multiple options before settling for Brown.

Their superstar purposely took significantly less money something no super star does. While the team still employees his father like an AAU coach though 2 coaching regimes after multiple sexual assault accusations including friends of people on this board. Who knows if Brunson is getting paid under the table though his dad. Like the pay cut Jalen Brunson took just does not happen in the nba or in any professional sport really.

Their owner is considered one of the worst owners in sports and their guy making the basketball decisions was a control freak who got fired for sleeping with co workers with the wolves.

The Knicks traded 6 first round picks for their starting lineup.

Also OG Anunoby is a stud

What a unique team that goes against recent trends in nba history. Not sure what to take from it

I think the biggest take away is….fire Finch? Right?

They're not winning the title with Thibs, just like we won't with Finch. Sorry Finchie, you're cooked.

I like Finch and think he’s a very good head coach. But at this juncture, I see him as our version of Doug Collins. Like Doug with the Bulls back in the day, Finchy has taken this team as far as he can take them. Now we need our version of Phil Jackson to take us over the hump and get this team to function better overall as a unit.