Stephen A. Smith might not be the most famous New York Knicks fan, but he is certainly the most visible and vocal. Between preparing for a possible presidential run, “analyzing” the NFL and NBA, and making time for his never-ending portfolio of appearances, he is often singing the Knicks’ praises.
Smith was six years old when the Knicks last won the Finals, so he hasn’t had much to celebrate when it comes to his favorite team.
However, between injuries to Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum, the Eastern Conference is wide open, and Smith is confident this could be the year. He stopped short of giving them the ultimate praise before the season.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 20: (L-R) Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim speak onstage for the First Take panel during Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 at Javits Center on June 20, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images for Fanatics)
Stephen A. Smith Sets Standard for New York Knicks
Last season, the Knicks finished with the third-best record in the Eastern Conference before losing in the Conference Finals to the Indiana Pacers. Heading into the season, with the East weaker than ever, Smith set the tone for his favorite team.
“I’m looking forward to my Knicks, my New York Knicks, capitalizing on the Achilles tear to Jayson Tatum, the Achilles tear to Damian Lillard that ultimately led to him departing from Milwaukee and going back to Portland, the Achilles tear to Tyrese Haliburton and Indy, the New York Knicks are going to the NBA Finals,” he declared on First Take.
New York has not made the Finals since 1999. Smith, a hot-take artist, might be onto something.
While the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks got better this summer, only the Cleveland Cavaliers are seen as a real threat to the Knicks. According to FanDuel, the Cavs have slightly better odds to make the Finals, although New York is a close second.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 08: Journalist Stephen A. Smith attends ESPN First Take at Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College on November 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
New York Knicks Prediction Falls Short
Smith is a Knicks fan, and even the most vocal Knicks fan knows when to pump the brakes. Notice that he did not say they would win the Finals, just that they would make the Finals.
Everyone knows that the West is the better conference. Last season, the Knicks finished with the third-best record in the East, at 51-31. According to FanDuel sportsbook, that would be the fifth-best record in the West this season.
On top of that, Smith knows very well that the Knicks‘ path this season is only easy due to injuries beyond their control.
“It’s happening by default,” he added, “the opportunity is there.”
For Smith (and most New Yorkers), just making the Finals would be impressive, even if they lose in a clean sweep to a more complete Western team. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets are true juggernauts compared to anyone in the East. The standard is simply higher on that side of the country.
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