Height and defense don’t make you a great

Opelika, Ala.: Re “Wembanyama still has a long way to go” (June 15): Victor Wembanyama’s height, reach, nimbleness and timing make him the unanimous NBA Defensive Player of the Year. His defensive prowess — devastating. His offense remains upright due to training wheels. ABC commentators smitten with his between-the-legs dribbling and step-back threes made a grievous error by equating his novelty with dominance. Yet, they’re as far from each other as the east is from the west.

A 21-year-old LeBron James averaged 42.5 minutes during the regular season, 31.4 points per game and 7 rebounds. In the playoffs, he averaged 46.6 minutes, 30.8 PPG and 8.1 rebounds. At 22, Lew Alcindor/Kareem Abdul Jabber, averaged 43.1 minutes, 28.8 PPG and 14.5 rebounds in the regular season. In the playoffs, he averaged 43.5 minutes per game, 35.2 PPG and 16.8 rebounds. These players epitomize the dominance Wemby covets.

Wemby must gain strength, hold his post position and develop a shot that’s reliable despite being pushed, pulled and pulverized. Frequently, Wemby found himself dribbling on the perimeter, leaping into the air and flinging an errant pass to a teammate as the shot clock evaporated. What great big men leaped into the air so aimlessly? He must improve his cardiovascular endurance and develop lower body strength. Otherwise, he’ll continue to be moved like a tea cup.

Marc D. Greenwood

Points deducted

Brooklyn: I’ve been watching basketball since the 1950s and remember fondly watching Walt Frazier and Bill Bradley. Great individual talents, but they played as a team. This Knicks team was more of a collection of individuals. Jalen Brunson showed he’s a great scorer and carried the team to victory, and deservingly so. The only negative on the victory was the poor sportsmanship exhibited by the Spurs center and the few individuals whose hooligan behavior spoiled the Knicks’ win. The referees went out of their way to protect Wembanyama. He clearly committed more flagrant fouls than were called. His refusal to congratulate the Knicks must be dealt with by the league. The individuals who attacked a Spurs fan and those who vandalized buses and other vehicles destroyed the joy of the celebration.

Alan Podhaizer

Sweet relief

Brooklyn: A very simple, heartfelt message: Thanks, New York Knicks. Boy did we need this wonderful win to take us away from the everyday grind.

Mariann Tepedino

Overjoyed

Kew Gardens Hills: Great shot of Mayor Mamdani rejoicing over the Knicks championship (“Knicks’ parade or Regents exam?” June 16). Mamdani has probably not been so ecstatic since Oct. 8, 2023.

Barry Koppel

Photo-bomber

Manhattan: Facing defeat in the November 1969 election, Mayor John Lindsay attached himself to every player and photo after the “Miracle Mets” 1969 World Series win, and it was credited for his victory. Mamdani learned quickly as the new “biggest Knicks fan” how to chase votes. I wonder if Knicks players realize that he’d increase their personal income taxes, not to mention tax a second home if they have one in NYC, if he has his way. At least Brunson had the honesty to say he missed the “Texas taxes.” Enjoy the day, Knicks. Probably one and done, but maybe just one player can hold up horns behind the mayor when he forces himself into a photo-op.

John Brindisi

Business hours

Bronx: Thank you, Knicks. I watched all through high school and after. I’m 84! But Mr. Mayor and all so-called smart people in New York, why didn’t you have the parade on Friday, when most everything will be closed?

Cathy Praino

Say something

Rockaway Beach: Why didn’t Knicks representatives or players call for calm before the games once it was clear that the morons would continue to be morons? Not one word said, even after the big win, by players being interviewed on all the morning news shows. They have no reaction to their fans behaving badly? Let’s hope they don’t set fire to the floats today or try to flip them over. New Yorkers at their worst!

Barbara Yahle

Collective jubilation

Bronx: New York City waited 53 years for this moment. The Knicks winning the NBA championship brought out the brightness in our city. Many supporters proudly displayed their blue-and-orange Knicks wear. It was beautiful to see everyone supporting the team. Leading up to the moment, every single conversation on the train or bus was about the Knicks hopefully winning. Seeing how many people were at the watch parties showed just how many wanted this. Simply amazing. Congratulations to Team Knicks. What a way to go. Unfortunately, we also had to see the rotten apples in the city out to destroy a beautiful moment. Why would burning buses and assaulting police officers be associated with the Knicks winning?

Arlana Solomon Girven Walker

Ferry folly

New Rochelle, N.Y.: “Saturday Night Live” has been neither funny nor influential for a very long time, but if those clowns Colin Yost and Pete Davidson had written a skit about their outlandish idea to turn a decommissioned 60-year-old ferry into a New York City floating party venue, that would’ve been funny. Better yet, how about a movie centered around the idea? A script could be easily written based on an outline of the ongoing endeavor. They should note that rather than continuing to shell out the enormous docking fees in Philadelphia, the owners of the SS United States recently sold the massive ocean liner, and it’s being prepared to be reefed off the coast of Florida. I guess the waves of the Atlantic Ocean have closed over many grand dreams. We could at least get a laugh out of this one.

Charles Seaton

Beatle birthday

Manhattan: The happiest 84th birthday to the great Sir Paul McCartney and his unprecedented career! He’s the most successful recording artist and composer in history, with 32 #1 songs and 30 #1 albums (in the U.S.). He has sold 900 million records worldwide and is still going strong with his brilliant new album “The Boys of Dungeon Lane,” which will probably be up for album of the year in the next Grammys. Sir Paul’s zest for life, love and music/creativity remain as strong as ever. He’s an example of how to age with grace, wit and compassion, including his advocacy for vegetarianism. We’re so lucky to still have him in our lives all these years along with his fellow knight Sir Ringo Starr. He has been called our Mozart. Long may this remarkable artist reign!

Jefre Harwoods

Admit it

Eastchester, N.Y.: Hey Chuck Schumer, it never ceases to amaze me that when the Dems were in power, Iran was allowed to do as it pleased. Now that President Trump decided to eliminate that threat, you’re trashing the deal, asking for more details. Have you asked yourself if the world is a safer place? People are tired of your political rhetoric. Would it kill you to be honest and acknowledge the good that has come from this?

Russell Pinto