NBA
Video: Paul Pierce Shades Knicks, Says NY Won’t Win NBA Title ‘in My Lifetime’
Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce isn’t optimistic about the long-term future of the New York Knicks.
“I don’t believe the Knicks will win a championship in my lifetime,” Pierce said during the latest episode of Ticket & The Truth.
“I don’t think in my lifetime,” he added. “I’m just saying they will, but I won’t be around to see it.”
Pierce previously celebrated on X after the Knicks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the second round of the playoffs, posting a video of himself stomping on the jersey of All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson.
New York’s last championship victory was in 1973, with the team reaching the NBA Finals in 1994 and 1999.
Despite the Knicks’ extended lack of success following their last Finals appearance, they appear poised to contend for a championship once again. They’ve made it to the Eastern Conference semifinals in each of the past two seasons, finishing with the fifth-best net rating in the association last year (via NBA.com).
Brunson is joined by All-Star power forward Julius Randle and defensive-minded swingman OG Anunoby in New York’s starting lineup, with the latter signing a five-year contract worth $212.5 million to stay with the team over the summer.
The Knicks also acquired Mikal Bridges in a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets, giving head coach Tom Thibodeau multiple wings with the ability to guard several positions and fire away from behind the arc.
New York is expected to battle with the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. However, Pierce isn’t convinced that a championship is in the team’s future.