Basketball
Draymond Green Claims Stephen A Smith and Knicks Fans Will Suffer in 15 More Years of Misery: “Here’s the Problem”
Hold onto your orange and blue Knicks jerseys, New York. Draymond Green, the Warriors star seems to have notions that may ignite fire. On a recent episode of ‘The Draymond Green Podcast’, he took a jab at the New York Knicks’ recent success and their fans’ championship aspirations, predicting a future filled with disappointment.
Speaking to a Knicks superfan on his show, the power forward highlighted that the franchise might not end up with desirable results as much as their current performance may speak of glory. He reasoned his stance with the Portland Trail Blazers’ scene in 2018-19. The team had finished 3rd in the regular season 53-29, to best the OKC Thunder and Denver Nuggets in the playoffs and clinch their first Western Conference finals spot since 2000. However, despite the exceptional run in the presence of Al-Farouq Aminu, Damian Lillard, and more, the Warriors managed to sweep them 4-0.
“We swept them pretty much without Stephen Curry,” Green recalls. This, he believes is what the Knicks fans may expect as well; considering the last time the franchise surpassed the semifinals was in 2000.
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Green predicts that Knicks fans will have another 15 years of misery. As per Green, the fans are delusional and are chasing ‘Clicks’. He said, “The Knicks are setting y’all up for right now, and it’ll be probably another 15 years of misery.” He further added, “We all will sit around and laugh at Knicks fans with their delusion about because for clicks that’s just happens.” The Knicks fans might not appreciate this statement as they believe in their young roster, brimming with talent from Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, and OG Anunoby.
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The statement by Green was also a jab at Stephen A Smith. Smith, who has been vocal in supporting the Knicks throughout the season. Smith extols Brunson. A few days ago on an episode of First Take, Smith said, “The New York Knicks are a legitimate NBA Finals threat.”
Green’s Dilemma and Staying Optimistic
While Green was taking a jab at the Knicks, his co-host remained optimistic about the Knicks. He believes it’s a privilege to play at the ‘Mecca of basketball’ that’s Madison Square Garden, the home of the Knicks. His co-host believes the Knicks will perform well as they have a stockpile of draft picks, and the Knicks boast a young roster. All these things could attract star players. And if the Knicks sign Donovan Mitchell, they will be a serious Championship contender in upcoming years.
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But Green argued with this statement. Green argued that “Getting better each season isn’t enough.” He said there is limited time for every team to mount a championship challenge before their core team gets broken up. And it also raised questions about the current quality of Knicks. Should the Knicks prioritize success and sacrifice the assets they have or should they wait and focus on long-term development?
The Knicks currently lead the semifinal series 2-1 with Jalen Brunson in exceptional form, backed by his 40 points performance in each of four straight playoff games (first since Michael Jordan in 1993). Supported by reliable names further, the team is believed to be the best the franchise has seen in decades. With that, will the Knicks prove Green wrong and rise to championship glory for the first time since 1973?