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New York Knicks: Steve Kerr discusses the importance of the Knicks

By Maxwell Ogden

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 03: Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors coaches against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 3, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 03: Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors coaches against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 3, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr recently discussed the importance of the New York Knicks to the NBA. His comments were compelling.

The New York Knicks are one of the most valuable organizations in the vast world of professional sports. New York is currently worth $3.6 billion, per Forbes, which is $300,000,000 more than any other organization in the NBA.

Yet, over the course of the past 17 years, the Knicks have made a grand total of four postseason appearances—a criminally low number.

New York has changed with the city its in. It thrived as an organization that balanced blue collar workers with flashy playmakers. Unfortunately, it’s become the franchise that cares more about its appearance than its substance—and the results have inevitably underwhelmed.

According to George Willis of The New York Post, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr stated his belief that the NBA is in a better place when the Knicks are relevant.

"“The Knicks are so important to this league,” he said. “It’s such a great brand and such a great city for basketball. The better the Knicks are, the better the NBA is. I want the Knicks to rise and become a great team, and Porzingis will be a big part of that going forward.”"

Some may accuse Knicks fans of being homers for agreeing with this statement, but it’s a belief that can be viewed as close to objective.

When the Knicks are good, it generally means that there’s a marquee player who’s thriving in a major media market. That alone is good for the NBA, as New York has one of the most passionate fan bases in the world.

More important than the money and the stardom, however, is the fact that New York City is a basketball haven and Madison Square Garden is an incomparable venue.

When the city and The Garden are playing home to a relevant team, 29 other franchises can pencil in a road game that will leave fans around the NBA clamoring.

Furthermore, the Knicks were a barometer for greatness between the 1970s and the 1990s. Between unforgettable postseason series and riveting rivalries, New York was the franchise that legends such as Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, and Michael Jordan were forced to go through.

With some of the greatest players in NBA history facing some of their toughest challenges at the world’s most famous arena, the Association inevitably benefited.

With the franchise that calls The Mecca home in championship contention, the same could be stated.

Must Read: The 25 greatest players in New York Knicks history

As Steve Kerr stated, the NBA is in a better place when the New York Knicks are a great team. Kristaps Porzingis will play a critical role in that development.

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