Do you ever find yourself comparing the New York Knicks to movies? Well, we do…
Some families watch Christmas movies on a meticulous daily schedule starting immediately after Thanksgiving. Some families, like mine, go on a Keith Richards-like bender in the final days leading up to Christmas—an all-out assault on our Christmas spirit.
Since the New York Knicks missed out on the Christmas Day game slate, find some solace in how similar well-known Christmas movie characters are to the members of our favorite organization.
Leon Rose: John McClane
One shoeless New York cop defends Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles from would-be burglars. He was out of his element, but he was absolutely the only man for the job. Armed with just his wits and his prior training he cobbled together what he could.
And not to belabor the point, but his poor feet. No single image is more akin to the task in front of Leon Rose than John McClane dragging his bloody, bandaged feet around killing robbers. Hopefully, Leon gets a similar victorious ride off into the sunrise with his arm around Knicks faithful.
Special cameo by World Wide Wes as Sgt. Al Powell.
Speaking of Die Hard…
Iggy Brazdeikis: That Terrorist’s Shoes from Die Hard
Nothing wrong with them. Perfectly fine shoes. They just didn’t seem to fit, and we only saw them briefly before they were tossed away.
Tom Thibodeau: Ebenezer Scrooge
Whether you watch A Muppet Christmas Carol or read the novel (Has anyone actually read the novel?), Ebenezer Scrooge’s character arc remains the same.
Side Note: Scrooged with Bill Murray is THE greatest Christmas Movie. Respect my decision. I will not be taking questions at this time.
Scrooge is a stingy old curmudgeon but a stellar businessman. After visits from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, Scrooge decides to change to fend off dying alone and unloved.
Can Thibs continue to adapt his game and can he learn to play well with others while he coaches the Knicks?
While we’re on the subject of A Christmas Carol…
Jared Harper: Tiny Tim
Small in stature, but powerful of voice. He speaks the movie’s most famous line. Maybe we’ll get a poignant Jared Harper moment in the Garden before the end of the season.
Immanuel Quickley: Buddy the Elf
Innocent. Wholesome. Full of spirit and wonder. Likable.
Immanuel Quickley has won over the hearts and heads of most Knicks fans in short order by just being himself and playing with fire and enthusiasm. I’m sure there are still some James Caan-esque types out there who are holding out, but just give it time.
Mitchell Robinson: Kevin McCallister
Who else would you rather have defending your house? Which other Knicks player swats jumpers harder than a paint can to the face? Next.
Dennis Smith, Jr.: Flick from A Christmas Story
I know there is still time for him to put it together, but you can’t help but feel like his career is frozen to a metal pole.
RJ Barrett: George Bailey
Before the season, fans (myself very much and seemingly incorrectly included) were done with him. He was a bust. He was a wasted lottery pick. He’ll never be a star. Include him in whatever package you can, and let’s all just move on. He should not be the face of the Knicks.
With Johnnie Bryant acting as his Clarence Odbody, RJ Barrett and Knicks fans are learning every day how important he is to the Knicks franchise.