The New York Knicks Are Very Good, And It's Great For Basketball

As I'm writing this, I am currently 17 years old. I was born in 2006 and have not seen any decent Knicks teams. There was 2012 with Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire, but that ultimately amounted to nothing.

Then there was 2016, when it looked like the Knicks had built a super-team after trading for Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. Shockingly, they did not. These both happened as I grew up in New York City, and while decent, they do not compare to the Nova Knicks, which took over the NBA this year.

Not only is it great for me (and every other Knicks fan who has been subjected to seeing them suck for the past two decades), but it is also great for the NBA. 

The Knicks Being Good Means Good Money

The Knicks are the world's eighth most-expensive sports franchise and the second most expensive in the NBA, behind the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors skyrocketed up the ranks due to their dynasty and domination throughout the 2010s, spearheaded by Stephen Curry.

While they shot up the rankings, the Knicks have treaded water and even dropped a bit. That is what happens when you suck and don't make the playoffs, nobody wants you. The only thing the Knicks had going for them was being in NYC and an incredibly loyal fanbase. 

For the first time since 2012 and 2013, the Knicks have made the playoffs in back-to-back years. This is a massive improvement in terms of winning and making money. The Knicks made their second-most in franchise history in 2021/22 after generating 452 million in revenue. In 2022/23, they set a new record with 502 million and are set up to break that record again this year. 

Not only are the Knicks 5th in attendance (based on percentage), but their viewership is up massively compared to the last few years. 

So What's The Reason For Being Good, And So Many More Viewers?

Well, it's simple: Villanova. The school from Pennsylvania had a dynasty during the 2010s in college basketball led by a core crew of players. This core included Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Donte DiVincenzo, and Ryan Arcidiacono.

Why do I bring this up? Four of the five players I just named were on the Knicks this season, and Mikal Bridges is in Brooklyn. These guys were all college friends, and they acted like it, too. Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson launched a podcast together that has been a hit with fans, and for good reason. Not only are they friends and it is fun to see, but they are playing winning basketball!

The Knicks are currently 47-32 and contesting for the second seed in the East come playoffs. This was brought on by MVP candidate Jalen Brunson, who was fifth in the MVP ladder most recently. Despite numerous injuries, this team has been phenomenal and has only been for the better. 

So many more basketball fans are watching again because the NBA's largest market is finally consistently good for the first time since the 1990s. It is a sight that both Knicks fans and the rest of the NBA will not want to look away from. When the Knicks are good, and the fanbase can truly show their support, it is the best scenario for the NBA, and fans should be excited for the playoffs. 

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