3 Ways the Damian Lillard blockbuster trade hurts the Knicks
By Mark Nilon
2. Less emphasis on big-market landing spots
Over the years, there have been ample examples of the Knicks seemingly banking on their big market status and the allure of playing their home games at Madison Square Garden as a way of attracting star-level talents.
To this point, such a tactic has yet to prove to be successful. With another stud like Lillard bypassing the bright lights of the Big Apple for a smaller region like America’s Dairyland, it’s only becoming more apparent that players are emphasizing roster construction far more than fan attention and media coverage.
The days when playing in major cities like New York equated to big-time endorsement deals are simply no more, for sports stars in smaller markets, such as the NFL’s Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City), the NHL’s Nick Suzuki (Montreal), and Lillard’s new teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo are all proof that, in the modern age, talent far outweighs place of residency.
Earlier in the summer, the point guard was also asked point blank about what some of his desired landing spots were, and the one New York-based team he showed any semblance of interest in was the objectively lesser-valued Brooklyn Nets.
It’s obvious that stars are no longer prioritizing large market clubs simply based on their location, meaning the Knicks must show off their other attributes during the coming year should they wish to truly become a coveted destination.