The NBA offseason is about to end and we cannot be happier about it.
As the New York Knicks approach Media Day and the start of the 2024-25 season, we keep trying to bring you the latest content the folks linked to the organization and those talking about it are putting out these days.
Not that it’s great, but these days… we can’t complain!
Jalen Brunson Chimes In on NFL vs. NBA Debate
Who has it easier, an NBA player taking NFL snaps… or an NFL player finding himself in the middle of a hardwood court?
That’s what Jalen Brunson discussed with former superstar and now-retired center Jason Kelce on Monday Night Football on September 16 during the matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Atlanta Falcons.
And you probably guessed JB’s take right in advance.
“Like if you’re guarding the pick and roll … nah.”
Jason Kelce asked @jalenbrunson1 if it’s harder for an NFL player to play in the NBA or vice versa pic.twitter.com/SfziZMqspO
— ESPN (@espn) September 17, 2024
“It’s easier for an NBA guy to play in the NFL. Not saying it’s easy… But like, if you’re guarding the pick and roll, nah.” — Jalen Brunson
It sucks that we live in an era where multi-sport folks are simply never going to happen again, but wouldn’t you pay to watch Brunson playing wideout for the Chiefs or Kelce manning the Spurs paint next to Victor Wembanyama?
Josh Hart Love-Hates on Fred Katz’s Departure
We got some sad news on Monday from The Athletic’s Fred Katz, he of the New York Knicks beat for the New York Times-backed outled.
Katz took to X to announce his departure from the Knicks beat as he will move on to a league-wide position taking over a “Senior NBA” writer role over The Athletic.
“Some news: I have written my final article as a Knicks beat writer.
“Starting today, I become a Senior NBA writer for The Athletic, focusing on national stories around the league.” — Fred Katz.
Truth be told, Katz hella deserved the promotion.
Some news: I have written my final article as a Knicks beat writer. Starting today, I become a Senior NBA writer for The Athletic, focusing on national stories around the league. Knicks fans will be excited to know the great @JLEdwardsIII is taking over the Knicks beat for us.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) September 16, 2024
This being these Knicks, of course, Josh Hart lost no time jumping on the announcement and sharing his thoughts on it.
“Thank God. We didn’t want you anyways ,” Hart wrote on X.
Thank God. We didn’t want you anyways https://t.co/a2iMeLi1qm
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) September 16, 2024
From now on we will have to get accustomed to reading former Detroit Pistons beat writer James L. Edwards III, who is the man taking over Katz’s position at The Athletic.
Life update: After seven seasons covering the Pistons, I’m going to transition to cover the New York Knicks for The Athletic. FYI: The Athletic still plans on covering the Pistons. Stay tuned for more updates there.
Quick thread:
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) September 16, 2024
JE3 announced it himself on X.
“Life update: After seven seasons covering the Pistons, I’m going to transition to cover the New York Knicks for The Athletic.
“This was a tough decision for me. Michigan is my home, Detroit is an amazing place and the Pistons have been a first-class organization when it comes to media. This fan base is as passionate as any in sports…” — James L. Edwards III.
Aye!
Nothing to fear, my friends, because JE3 is a beast of a scribe himself in terms of the volume of content he’s put out in the recent past and the quality of his stories.
Kendrick Perkins on Needle-Moving Bridges
Moving on to another outlet, ESPN, former NBA player Kendrick Perkins dropped another fire take on the move he deems the biggest “needling moving” transaction ahead of the 2025 NBA season.
Perkins’ answer, of course, had all to do with the New York Knickerbockers, as he keeps showing his love for the Manhattanites.
“[Mikal Bridges] could be what Jrue Holiday is for the Boston Celtics.”
@KendrickPerkins pic.twitter.com/PxeUuZO10S
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 16, 2024
Perkins labeled the Knicks’ acquisition of Mikal Bridges as the No. 1 biggest-impact move across the NBA landscape, even going the distance and comparing it to the Boston Celtics’ landing of Jrue Holiday last season before hanging the last banner handed by Adam Silver in June.
“I’m going with the New York Knicks getting Mikal Bridges.
“Look, he could be what Jrue Holiday is for the Boston Celtics. That’s how elite this young man is on both ends of the floor.
“We saw it when Phoenix made that run with Devin Booker and CP3 to the NBA Finals, and just remember a couple seasons ago he averaged 26 points, and I know he only played in about 27 games, but still I’m to the point now where I don’t even look at Mikal Bridges as a role player.
“(Bridges) is a guy that’s an All-Star caliber player, and I think that was the best addition this offseason, plus he’s a Tom Thibodeau type of guy.” — Kendrick Perkins
Yes, it took the Knicks trading a humongous package to get Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets.
But if Perk is correct and Mikal helps New York bring the Larry O’B to the Garden… who will criticize them Not me!