How do New York Knicks fans feel about the upcoming season?
On June 30, 2019, much to the dismay of New York Knicks fans everywhere, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and DeAndre Jordan signed with the Brooklyn Nets. They had already lost the first pick in the draft but were happy, it seemed, with RJ Barrett.
For many who witnessed the past 50 years Knicks’ championship drought or the last six years without making the playoffs, this was seen as a dagger in the heart. If you watched the ESPN Free Agency special, you would be forever disheartened as a Knicks fan, Stephen A. Smith, long-time Knicks fan relayed his feelings in the following video:
Many did take to social media that day to express their feelings, but once the smoke cleared and the dust settled, the front office’s Plan B made a little more sense to fans. Players working out, working on themselves as well as their games and posting this on social media, talking to the fans…then after the unfortunate injuries of those in Plan A, fans breathed a sigh of relief and it gave them hope Mills and Perry might just know what they’re doing. This re-build could work this time.
After Friday’s preseason loss to the New Orleans Pelicans 117-116, Coach Fizdale approached the podium saying, “Our fans are awesome. Man, our fans are awesome.” Why? The Garden holds a little more than 19,793 people, there were 19,812 fans in attendance that night and they are there every night. They buy season tickets, they’re proud and they have their reasons why.
Through social media, I asked fans how they felt about the upcoming season, the point guard situation, Frank Ntilikina and about Coach Fizdale not having a set starting five, as well as whatever popped in their heads.
Mr. Tyrice H. is one of the admins of the Facebook Knicks group The Real & True Diehard Knicks Fans, and here are his answers to those questions:
"My feeling about this upcoming season is excitement. I love the new guys with our roster. But I hope we still give the young guys like Knox, Robinson and RJ the team. Those guys should be the future. As for the point guard, I want Dennis to start. But I’m all in for whoever Coach starts."
Mr. Sal B. is a fan who has been sometimes very critical of his team but never stopped loving them. Here’s what he said about Frank Ntilikina’s contract extension to 2020-21:
"After seeing the lack of defense from the team, I can understand the reason for the signing. I think as the season progresses, so will Frank. Another asset to the signing would be his trade value if or when the other guards start to show their talents. Frank will rise up this year on both ends of the court."
Ms. Barbara J. is always excited about her team, and she had this to say on what it’s like as a female Knicks fan:
"As a woman who is a KNICK FAN it’s awesome! I Love my team’s Facebook group & its a lot of fun. We women love the KNICKS as well as the game! LET’S GO KNICKS!"
When I asked her about the upcoming season, her answer was just “Very excited!!!”
Last but certainly not least is the admin of several Knicks Facebook and Twitter groups, but the True Diehard group is his favorite. Eric D. is a proud season ticket holder for the past 15 years since 2004, as well as the orchestrator of many bus trips to follow the team when playing particular rivals such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics.
"I have no concern about the starting 5. I believe and trust in my coach to make the proper evaluation. The season might start slow through the jelling process but the East being only three teams top heavy with the Bucks, Celtics & Sixers gives us time to pull it together.Frank’s extension is a good thing. He had the best defensive rating. He is a little more aggressive too. He will continue to grow."
The Knicks have fan podcasts like Knicks Fans TV on YouTube and international fans such as Knicks Nation France, whose numbers grow even as the team loses.
The 2019-20 season starts Wednesday evening, with the New York Knicks facing the San Antonio Spurs on the road.