The New York Knicks are once again the talk of the NBA conversation heading into the new season. With expectations rising in the Eastern Conference, media personalities and fans alike have plenty to say about their chances. But one bold prediction from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has taken center stage.
Of course, whenever Stephen A. speaks, NBA fans have too much fun and can’t seem to hold back on anything.
How Did Stephen A. Smith Spark Debate With Knicks Finals Claim?
On First Take, Stephen A. Smith declared that the New York Knicks will make the NBA Finals in 2026. The longtime Knicks supporter argued that injuries to rivals, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, have opened the door for New York.
“I’m looking forward to my Knicks capitalizing off of the Achilles tear to Jayson Tatum… Damian Lillard… Tyrese Haliburton. … The New York Knicks are going to the NBA Finals. It happened by default… I wish them all well,” Smith said on ESPN’s “First Take” on Tuesday.
The statement, while passionate, drew immediate pushback online. Fans noted that the Knicks’ path is hardly guaranteed, even in a weakened East. Of course, many couldn’t resist trolling Smith for his confidence.
The most common reaction for fans was disbelief. Many mocked the idea that the Knicks could even compete with the Western Conference powerhouses. A fan wrote, “Even if they found a way to do that, OKC / DEN sweeping them lol”
Another added that New York’s biggest roadblock is internal: “The only team that is stopping the Knicks from making the finals is the Knicks.”
Others called Smith’s claim “pathetic,” noting that New York’s chances only exist because of injuries elsewhere. “The Knicks only have a chance because of injuries, how pathetic,” one critic posted.
Some fans couldn’t wait for Smith to walk back to his hot take. “Can’t wait for Stephen A’s apology snippet tomorrow morning,” joked one user.
And of course, Cavaliers fans reminded him there’s still a giant hurdle in the East. “Lmao Cavs exist big bro,” another wrote.
Can the Knicks Prove Stephen A. Smith Right?
Despite the online mockery, there are reasons Smith’s optimism isn’t completely misplaced. The Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season, their deepest run since 2000.
Jalen Brunson has blossomed into one of the league’s premier point guards, and Karl-Anthony Towns gives them another All-Star scorer.
The front office also made depth a priority this offseason. New signings like Jordan Clarkson, Malcolm Brogdon, and Guerschon Yabusele give new head coach Mike Brown more flexibility than his predecessor, Tom Thibodeau, ever used. For a franchise that has long lacked reliable bench production, that could be a game-changer.
Still, the road is far from smooth. The Cleveland Cavaliers are healthy again and enter the season as betting favorites in the East. Other up-and-coming teams like the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks could also complicate New York’s path.
New York hasn’t reached the NBA Finals since 1999 and hasn’t lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy since 1973. That half-century drought weighs heavily on both the franchise and its fans, making Smith’s proclamation feel more like hope than certainty.
But in a season where opportunity seems greater than ever, the Knicks do have a chance to rewrite history. Whether they capitalize on it, or simply fuel more trolling, remains to be seen.