RemiKNICKSing on the Finals

The World Cup is effectively the Knicks’ playoff run for Countries. Yes, the stench of FIFA’s cartel control over the games spoils some of the action, but all the feelings let out of NY mirror what fans across the globe are exhibiting. That the games take place in North America is a particular treat. Crazy what not hosting in Qatar will do for Casuals like me. We’ll have more World Cup even though this isn’t your typical Soccer Beat. I’m stirred by this event. For now though, it’s all Knicks.

There’s no practical way to structure these Thoughts so let’s have it:

- Jalen “Can’t Win With A Small Guard” Brunson was 18 years old when Steph Curry won his first title. Is Curry a small guard? Yes. Curry is the greatest shooter of all time, and the Warriors were so dominant, that he escaped much of the skepticism surrounding undersized guard dominant teams. Jalen was reminded over, and over, and over again. Do you think Brunson ever internalized that criticism while watching Curry dominate? He did not. Brunson’s collegiate career and formative years existed during Steph, Kyrie, and even Isiah Thomas. Since the mid 2010’s, the league has been run by players defying physical stereotypes. Steph. Jokic. Fat Luka. Brunson. Athelticism across the league is so ubiquitous that Skill trumps all now.

- Team continuity is a competitive advantage. I’ve been sayin it for years, fellas. Keep the gang together. The Thunder shouldn’t trade Chet. I have no idea why Jaylen Brown is about to get shipped out of Boston. The Nugs should bring everyone back. It’s impossible for GMs across the league to assess their rosters and not want to improve on the margins or take home run chances, but eventually, if roles are defined, you have to let the team coalesce. Should Minnesota ship out Julius Randle? Absolutely. He has no role with the Wolves. That’s the job description of being a GM. You have to understand your team’s gaps, but you can’t ignore that Basketball Teams can’t be slapped together in a summer.

- I cannot believe the disrespect it takes to conjure the sentence “The Spurs were the more talented team.” What element of OG Anunoby isn’t talented? The defense? No. The three-point shooting? No. The rebounding? No. Talent. 5 tool player. Dylan Harper flashed on the League, but there is a multi-year player development gulf that he’d be lucky to ascend between him and Jalen Brunson. Pure ignorance if you think Harper turning into Brunson is a foregone conclusion. Julian Champagnie will likely have a 10 year career. He’s a much stronger shooter than Josh Hart, but isn’t standards of deviations better than most of the 3-and-D specialist floating around the league. Hart, on the other hand, is an inner circle rebounder (offensive and defensive), has relentless instincts, and is a more talented basketball player than Champagnie will ever be. The Spurs were outgunned across the board.

- New York is divided in every sport (Yankees/Mets, Giants/Jet, Rangers/Islanders) except basketball. That is the genesis of the Emotion Explosion in the City. It’s a collectively compounded outpouring of support that even the Yankees can’t enjoy because so many New Yorkers are Mets fans. No shame in that game. Want shame though? Look at the Nets. They can leave. It could be time to reconsider expansion without understanding whether the Nets should actually be in Seattle.

- Media Minds (and me) track trends because they tend to expose themselves in the biggest moments. 2025-2026 will be remembered for a handful of themes:

- More on Team Continuity: if rosters actually don’t change all that much year over year, then coaching becomes another competitive advantage. Getting more out of the same group is a more plausible path to championships than consistently shipping in new talent. Particularly in the Second Apron era, teams need the Head Man to squeeze the roster for everything it has. I don’t want him fired, but someone needs to squeeze more from Mitch Johnson. Close your eyes. Duncan. Manu. Parker. Spurs Basketball. Can you see it? Can you see the ball movement? Can you see the cross screen in the paint to get Duncan free on the left block? I know you can. Where was any of that structure in the Spurs’ offensive attack? The Spurs institutional (Popovich) knowledge of the game produced absolutely zero offensive identity and Mike Brown outcoached Johnson in every game.

Let’s close like this: the Knicks were Hot Summer Fun. We all had a good time. THAT SAID, if you didn’t wake up today thinking about how your team better get its shit together than you need a long hard look in the mirror buddy. Enough highlights and giggles. The Goal isn’t watching NY celebrate. It’s time to draft, sign, trade and grind. We’re getting another new champ in 2027.