The New York Knicks are “pretenders” in the Eastern Conference.
That is according to sports commentator and diehard Knicks fan Stephen A. Smith, who spoke on “First Take” on Monday and shared his thoughts about the team.
He said there is a “precipitous drop-off” after the top two teams in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.
He also added that either of those teams would be able to move past the Knicks and believes the Los Angeles Lakers have a better shot at getting out of the West than the Knicks do of getting out of the East.
It’s not easy for Smith to say this, so what led him to this opinion?
“The Knicks, they’re pretenders. … They are a precipitous drop-off from the top-two teams.”@stephenasmith doesn’t believe the Knicks, as of right now, will make it past the semifinals 😳 pic.twitter.com/MpnSOylo4t
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 24, 2025
He explained that he might change his mind later in the season, especially if Mitchell Robinson comes back and helps them.
Until then, Smith said the team’s defense is horrid and unlike anything he has ever seen recently.
The Knicks’ offense has been strong since the start of the season, mostly because of Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, and others.
But when it comes to defense, they just cannot keep up with the competition, and this could hurt them a lot in the offseason.
It’s actually hurting them right now in the regular season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers recently made easy work of the Knicks, beating them 142-105 on February 21.
Then, just days later, they were taken down by the Boston Celtics, 118-105.
They have a horrible time beating multiple teams, including the top ones in the league, such as the Cavaliers, Celtics, and Oklahoma City Thunder.
They have time, and things could change, but, right now, even the most devoted Knicks fans like Smith are disappointed and worried.
NEXT: Brian Windhorst Reveals His Big Concerns About The Knicks
