Stephen A. Smith has been particularly outspoken about the New York Knick’s struggles against the Miami Heat, expressing the anguish and melancholy he has faced throughout his life since the team won its last championship 50 years ago. He has hardly been shy about criticizing the performances of various players, including forwards Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett, but has also exalted over the play of guards Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.
While Smith tries to view the game objectively, he admitted Thursday morning on First Take that the Knicks, along with the New York Yankees, are the two teams he discusses in a subjective manner.
“I am a fan first,” Smith said. “That doesn’t stop me from giving my analysis and breaking down what I see, but it hits me personally because even the great Spike Lee, there’s no one on this planet that roots for the New York Knicks more than me.”
Smith prefaced that statement by revealing that he has heard rumblings of players on the Knicks complaining about what he has said throughout these playoffs. The allegation, Smith said, is something he will not lose sleep over because he is enamored with the organization and is desperately yearning for a championship.
“We as New York Knicks fans have suffered for over 50 years,” Smith exclaimed. “Do you realize as much as we love Clyde Frazier – even with those wild ass suits that he be wearing, which is his M.O.? We love him and we deify him because he’s the last representation of a championship that we have.”
Basketball fans, pundits and insiders alike have recognized that the National Basketball Association has become a league more conducive to the wants and needs of the players than ever before. Smith says that won’t stop him from sharing his opinions “when” the New York Knicks disappoint him again.
“We’ve suffered before you were even born,” Smith said, seemingly directed at the players. “We want it bad. We’re not rooting against you – we’re hurting! One franchise after another representing the New York Knicks year after year after year can’t get it done. So I don’t care – it’s not personal, but it’s emotional.”
