A few months ago, I wrote about the beloved Knicks and the sense of hope they seem to give the entire city. I don’t know if it’s the historic franchise history, the perpetual underdog status, the majesty of Madison Square Garden, and/or the sheer level of talent that has suited up in a Knicks jersey over the last several decades, but there is something truly special about this team.
I am getting excited about the feeling of hope these days. I began going to Knicks games and live sporting events as we emerged from the grips of Covid and I needed to experience the feeling of collective joy. There was something so nice about going to an arena, cheering alongside several other thousands of fans, and collectively experiencing emotions together. It was something that made the isolation of the lockdown begin to slowly fade away.
Even though I am so looking forward to experiencing this Knicks season, I am not sold on the Knicks trades as of yet. I was quite looking forward to the “gang of four” Villanova Knicks led by Captain Jalen Brunson. I was never a fan of Julius Randle and felt his injuries and his inability to play a full season altered the flow of the team assembled in his absence. I know he is an incredibly talented player, but I was never sold on the hype.
However, now that Randle and Donte DiVincenzo are in Minnesota and Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT) has arrived, I am beginning to lament this trade. I am not yet convinced KAT will fit with the team or have the mental fortitude to process the tough love from Knicks fans (that’s as diplomatically as I can put it). Time will tell about his fit, ability to stay healthy, and overall benefits of this big man being added to the team.
The heart and dedication to New York City is palpable from this team. In a time when local politics seem to be a bit in disarray and uncertain, it is nice to begin a new season filled with the promise of what could be. The Knicks did so well last season and even made it to the playoffs, despite injuries … so many injuries.
No matter what happens, I do know I am looking forward to the collective joy from average New Yorkers passing one another on the street in their various Knicks paraphernalia and yelling, “Go, Knicks!” to random strangers passing by. Whether you are a die-hard fan or just someone who loves New York, it is a fantastic time to be a Knicks fan. Fingers crossed they can bring home a long-awaited championship.
As Emily Dickinson famously wrote, “hope is the thing with feathers.” This season, I also want hope to be blue and orange — Knicks orange — as well.
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream”; and co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC.