The Knicks made big moves this offseason, trading five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges and giving OG Anunoby the biggest contract in team history.
Vegas oddsmakers liked these changes, moving the Knicks up to second place (tied with the Nuggets) for the best odds to win the 2025 NBA title.
New York is riding high after its best season since 1999 and hopes to end its 51-year championship drought. But Shaquille O’Neal thinks otherwise, calling the team “built on hype” and not a real contender.
> “No,” Shaq said when asked about New York’s title chances on “The Big Podcast.” “New York is a place that’s built on hype, that controls the hype. They can hype everybody else up. They haven’t won [expletive] but ‘Oohh, New York.’ So, young fella [Brunson] can play. I was wrong about him. He’s impressive. But they’re nowhere close to winning a championship. They’re gonna win some games, but I’m more impressed with how many championships you won at the end of your career.”
Injuries and Coaching Criticisms:
Some believe injuries to Julius Randle, Anunoby, Brunson, and Mitchell Robinson kept the Knicks from reaching last seasonโs Eastern Conference Finals. Others blame Thibodeau for overworking his players.
Despite Shaq’s opinion, all eyes will be on the Knicks this coming season like never before since Patrick Ewing’s era in the 90s or even Walt Frazierโs days in the 70s.
Fans might think these changes are exciting but still worry if theyโll pay off.
What do you think? Will these moves finally bring a championship to New York?
