With the start of the playoffs just a few days away, it’s time to hand out some awards for the 2021-22 NBA season. Amazingly, we are less than two weeks away from the end of the NBA season, which means it’s time to get to work on selecting 2021-22 award winners. I, of course, do
New York Knicks
The Pelicans won’t entertain Zion Williamson trade offers unless he forces their hand. But if he does, the New York Knicks should be ready to pounce. Let’s say this off the top – the Knicks need to stay the course and continue to build through the young guns and the draft. They have a collection
New York Knicks have found a new public enemy in Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young, who has terrorized New York City once again. Knicks fans run on two things: unending hope that this year is their year, and the rage that follows when this year is ultimately not their year. Usually, it’s helpful when that
Carmelo Anthony’s career resume has everything but an NBA championship. Why can’t we just love him for what he has accomplished? One thing is for sure — nobody on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team was or is as disrespected as Carmelo Anthony. Not while they were still playing. Not by their old coaches. Not by
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. As the playoffs approach, so do forks in the road and potential breaking points for several teams up and down the standings. To break down some of the biggest
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 14: Head coach Stan Van Gundy argues a call to referee James Williams #60 during the second quarter of an NBA game against the New York Knicks at Smoothie King Center on April 14, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading
Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images After the fight: Daniel Jacobs and the end of a boxer’s road by Jeremy Herriges Kevin Durant had some fun on Twitter after the Brooklyn Nets roared back to beat the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden Wednesday evening. Kevin Durant got the last laugh after the Brooklyn Nets
Jan 10, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (0) dunks as Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) watches in the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports Giants release statement regarding Brian Flores lawsuit by Aryanna Prasad The NBA is setting the stage for All-Star Weekend 2022 in
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. To really succeed a team needs to have multiple lineups it can rely on and depth has perhaps never been more important than this season, with the Omicron variant
Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports) Chiefs: Brittany Matthews turns champagne criticism into a positive by Mark Powell New York Knicks star Julius Randle got a fan ejected in Miami for incredibly soft heckling. Julius Randle got a New York Knicks fan ejected from a game for simply heckling facts
In a trade involving four teams, the Atlanta Hawks are trading Cam Reddish, Solomon Hill and a 2025 second-rounder for Kevin Knox and a 2022 first-rounder. One month after trades open up for players picked up in free agency, a comprehensive list includes those who are restricted, those with at least two years remaining on
Jan 6, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) gestures after making a basket against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball ‘Manningcast’ featuring A-Rod sounds terrible by Scott Rogust Julius Randle gave New York
With the recent Omicron COVID outbreak hitting the NBA hard, there’s one NBA-caliber player who has been fighting to make another roster: Jeremy Lin. Saying the NBA is short-staffed is an understatement — there are over 90 players in COVID protocols right now, and there aren’t enough professional-level athletes available on short notice for teams
Dec 13, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts to a missed shot in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports South Carolina football: Will Spencer Rattler take Gamecocks to next level? by Scott Rogust Steph Curry failed to break the
Dell Curry, the former NBA star point guard and father of Steph Curry, is now thankful that the New York Knicks did not draft Steph in the 2009 NBA Draft. It’s difficult to imagine Steph Curry draped in anything but blue and gold, but there was a point in time when Curry imagined himself in
Atlanta Hawks star and New York Knicks villain Trae Young received one vote to become New York City’s new mayor during their recent mayoral election. As Knicks fans streamed out of Madison Square Garden on June 3, they espoused their hatred from the man who prevented a potential Knicks title: Atlanta Hawks Trae Young. [embedded
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. Tom Thibodeau is fed up. Trailing by 16 points against the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday night, he benched his starters for the entire fourth quarter. After the game, he was
New York Knicks forward Julius Randle and Milwaukee Bucks center Bobby Portis. (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports) UFC 268: Who is Bruno Souza? by Steven Irvine NBA Twitter couldn’t believe the Bucks collapse and the Knicks turnaround as New York erased a 21-point lead to blow out Milwaukee. Fiserv Forum definitely hasn’t been home, sweet home
The fans at Madison Square Garden didn’t hold back in going after the 76ers and Ben Simmons during the Knicks win. Those passionate New York Knicks fans never stop, do they? Whenever they have a chance to let loose on the opposition, they sure take advantage. Such was the case on Tuesday night in the
Terrence Ross, Orlando Magic, Evan Fournier, New York Knicks. (Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports) Ball don’t lie: 3 worst calls from Week 7 in the NFL by Mark Powell The best early-season social media victory of the NBA season goes to the Orlando Magic for absolutely owning New York Knicks fans. Not only did the Orlando
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The 2021-22 NBA season is exactly two days old, 26 teams have already played their first game and we’ve already seen a slew of monster performances. Between Tuesday and
Mar 15, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; American director Spike Lee adjusts his face mask during the fourth quarter between the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports 76ers without Ben Simmons summed up in 1 play (Video) by Mark Powell Chris Sale has blunt assessment
This week, The Long Two looks at how Jordan Poole could help fill in for Klay Thompson and whether the Knicks can replicate last year’s success. Given the variables at play, it’s nearly impossible, and certainly exhausting, to confidently project a likely outcome for the Golden State Warriors this season. Uncertainty over how Klay Thompson
Mitchell Robinson has carved out a niche with the New York Knicks with insane highlights and absurd numbers. Now he’s ready for more. There can be beauty in simplicity. Catch ball. Dunk ball. Stand here. Jump. Swat ball. That’s not to call Mitchell Robinson’s basketball responsibilities simple. He is often playing as the defensive anchor
Every player in the NBA has had a down year. If they haven’t, it is likely only a matter of time. It could be that they were trying to find their fit on a new team, battling injuries, or simply trying to do too much under immense pressure. Regardless of the reason, a season-long slump
Former New York Knicks shooting guard Ron Baker has officially retired from the NBA. The 28-year-old from Wichita State went undrafted in 2016. Baker signed a contract with the Knicks on August 1, 2016. Then, he made his NBA debut on October 25, 2016 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the team’s 117-88 loss, Baker scored
The Christmas Day and opening day schedule for the 2021-22 NBA season was released last Wednesday. Then, the full schedule for the upcoming season was released this past Friday. Sportsbooks have also now published their win total projections for all 30 teams for next season. The win total is based on a full 82-game traditional
For the past several years, the Western Conference has widely been considered the deeper, more talented conference. Don’t look now, but the teams in the East have caught up and passed them as the premier conference in the league. Considering the elite-level talent (superstars) and the rising young stars, the argument could easily be made
Steven A Smith isn’t sure Damian Lillard will leave the Trail Blazers but says if he does request a trade, the New York Knicks will be the target. Damian Lillard’s future with the Trail Blazers is still very much up in the air. Will he stick around and work it out? Will he request a
Kemba Walker, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks. (Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports) The Whiteboard: Who is going to want Dennis Schroder now? by Ian Levy Hawks keep building for the future, lock down John Collins to huge new deal by John Buhler Kemba Walker is joining the New York Knicks after being bought out
Yesterday, news surfaced on social media concerning Kawhi Leonard opting out of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers and becoming an unrestricted free agent. Now, he could re-sign with the Clippers if general manager Michael Winger offers a larger contract, but Leonard is looking at offers from other teams. According to oddsmakers at BetOnline,
On Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 12:40 a.m. (EST), Team USA will play against Spain in this quarterfinal matchup. Both teams are aiming to advance in the tournament for the gold medal. The Americans defeated the Czechs 119-84 in their dominant Saturday victory. Likewise, Spain won over Argentina 81-71 in their Group C preliminary round
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 25: Evan Fournier #94 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Brooklyn Nets in Game Two of the First Round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on May 25, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or
Kyle Lowry. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) The first day of 2021 NBA free agency included a flurry of activity as teams scrambled to set up their rosters for next season. Who won and lost the day? Even when games aren’t being played, there are winners and losers in the NBA — especially in NBA free
The New York Knicks are bringing another one of their own free agents back, agreeing to a three-year deal with Derrick Rose. The New York Knicks have been active within the first couple hours of 2021 NBA free agency. Although it doesn’t seem like there will be any big fish to be found with Chris
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks. (Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports) 3 teams who should be ready to sign Allen Robinson next offseason by Brad Berreman The New York Knicks will have to give up the farm to be able to trade for Damian Lillard. With Portland Trail Blazers star point guard Damian
Collin Sexton could be on the move from Cleveland and the New York Knicks are the most aggressive team trying to trade for the Cavs high-scorer. The Cleveland Cavaliers don’t have to trade Collin Sexton, but the trade rumors are hot and heavy for the former first-round pick out of Alabama. Sexton is eligible for
Chris Paul can opt out of the final year of his contract this summer, but don’t expect him to leave the Phoenix Suns for the New York Knicks. It makes sense that Chris Paul’s name continually comes up in relation to big-market NBA teams like the New York Knicks. The Knicks are used to paying
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 11: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks in action against the Toronto Raptors during a game at Madison Square Garden on April 11, 2021 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Raptors 102-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports With Damian Lillard reportedly considering asking for a trade, these are the teams who could get the Trail Blazer’s attention with a compelling offer. After their early exit from the 2021 NBA Playoffs, the Portland Trail Blazers knew they’d face a pivotal offseason. It just got a whole lot more dramatic. Talisman
With Zion Williamson potentially unhappy with the New Orleans Pelicans, could they trade him to the New York Knicks? The easy answer is no, at least no in the near future. Even should Williamson try to force the Pelicans hand, the more likely option is that New Orleans surround him with more viable talent, rather
Basketball Insiders’ “Now What” series examines teams on the precipice of success. Some will succeed in their attempt to join the elite, while others will squander an opportunity or are simply out of time. Today, we’ll dissect the New York Knicks, their 2020-21 season and where they go from here. The New York Knicks had
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images According to a report from Yahoo! Sports, three teams have already shown serious interest in potentially trying to sign Kelly Oubre this offseason. Where will Kelly Oubre Jr. end up suiting up next season? After joining the Golden State Warriors this past season from Phoenix/Oklahoma City, the 25-year-old wing
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images UFC 263: Brad Riddell is the fighter to watch by Zain Bando NBA Twitter was in shock on Tuesday night after learning Derrick Rose received a first-place MVP vote. Few were surprised on Tuesday night when Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic was named NBA MVP. We’ve been presuming that for
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images The New York Knicks could have the most cap space of any team heading into NBA free agency. Big decisions await the New York Knicks following their first playoff appearance in eight years. New York’s playoff hopes were short-lived after getting knocked out by Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks in
Trae Young is officially a lifelong New York Knicks villain after drilling a late 3 and taking a bow at Madison Square Garden while eliminating the Knicks. Trae Young spent his entire first playoff series cementing his status as a lifelong New York Knicks villain. In Game 5 on Wednesday night, he put the final
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MAY 30: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks drives against John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks in the first half during game four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at State Farm Arena on May 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by
Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports The New York Knicks have not played well in the 2021 NBA Playoffs and are facing a crucial Game 4 on the road. Here are three keys to getting back on track. Down 2-1 in their first-round playoff series, the New York Knicks are facing a crucial Game 4
Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) Steelers wide receiver wants Julio Jones to join him in Pittsburgh by Rucker Haringey Former NFL quarterback on Tua Tagovailoa not knowing playbook: ‘That should never, ever happen’ by John Buhler Julius Randle’s poor shooting is a big reason why the New York Knicks trail
ATLANTA, GA – MAY 28: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks shoots in the second half against the Atlanta Hawks during game three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at State Farm Arena on May 28, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this
In only two first-round playoff games, Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young has already become public enemy No. 1 for New York Knicks fans. There is no love lost between Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young and New York Knicks fans. For the first time in years, Atlanta and New York are not just back
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 26: Nearly 15,000 fans filled the arena tonight to watch the game between the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks during game two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at Madison Square Garden on May 26, 2021 in New York City.The New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 101-92.
If it still hasn’t sunk in just yet, it bears repeating: the New York Knicks are making their first trip to the NBA Playoffs since 2012-13. Naturally, it’s understandable that most Knicks-centered articles are examining their ceiling this season. Alas, according to Kanye West, the present is the past – so, like Yeezy, we’re looking
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 08: Tacko Fall #99 of the Boston Celtics defends Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards during the first quarter at TD Garden on January 08, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the
With the NBA season winding down, there is limited left time for rookies to make their cases for the Rookie of the Year award. In all, three rookies are leading the charge and will likely be named the top three rookies of the season. Without further ado, let’s take a look at how the race
In the NBA Draft, late-lottery teams typically face tough decisions. The late lottery is usually home to teams with some – albeit not a whole lot – of talent. Ideally, teams in the late lottery are up-and-coming, allowing them to either draft based on need or take a chance on someone they can bring along
The Sacramento Kings have never really had high expectations entering a season. The last time the Kings were in the playoffs, Rick Adelman guided them to 44 wins during the 2005-06 season. That team was led by Mike Bibby, Brad Miller, Peja Stojakovic and Metta World Peace. The face of the franchise now is De’Aaron
Back in 2010, the New York Knicks tried getting James Gandolfini to try and help the team recruit LeBron James to Madison Square Garden. How in the heck was Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James able to say no to this? That’s what countless NBA fans must be asking themselves after they found out the
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul ended New York Knicks’ nine-game winning streak with dagger shots on Monday night. The New York Knicks of old are no more, as they are an entertaining, tough team in the Eastern Conference. Entering Monday night, the Knicks were looking to increase their win streak to 10 straight games at
New York Knicks fans are so excited about their team they got a NSFW chant about the Brooklyn Nets going. Following the New York Knicks‘ 120-103 win over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday afternoon, basketball fans in the Big Apple were feeling pretty pumped about their team. And why wouldn’t they? The Knicks have won
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (not in uniform) at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports NCAA gymnastics championship broadcast was a quantum leap forward by Lela Moore 5 breakout stars to watch for Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021 by Russell S. Baxter The Knicks have many happy fans these days and you
Zion Williamson had nothing but nice things to say about playing in Madison Square Garden following the New Orleans Pelicans’ loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday. The New York Knicks are the talk of the city, and that is more evident than ever with the Yankees struggling at the start of the MLB
Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports) NCAA basketball: Ranking every national champion this century: Is Baylor the best? by Cody Williams Julius Randle was inspired by the late Kobe Bryant to take his game to the next level. During the Los Angeles Lakers‘ game vs. the New York Knicks, a
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers. (Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports) NBA is expecting all arenas to be at full capacity for the 2021-22 season by Braulio Perez The Los Angeles Lakers’ road game vs. the New York Knicks will not be seen on national TV. The stars will not be out in full force when the
Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images Houston Police Department officially investigating Deshaun Watson by John Buhler Knicks fans never forget, especially when it comes to Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis tried to get on Knicks’ fans good side by admitting how much he missed Madison Square Garden, but his most recent return to Manhattan was still greeted with
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports NBA trade grades: Raptors land clever replacement for Norman Powell by Rucker Haringey Raptors take the first step, trading Norman Powell to the Trail Blazers by Steven Kubitza The 76ers have landed veteran point guard George Hill in a three-team trade with the Thunder and Knicks ahead of today’s 3
Andre Drummond is a hot commodity in the buyout market and several playoff teams should do whatever it takes to sign him. The Cleveland Cavaliers made the surprising decision to acquire Andre Drummond last season. He did well during his time on the floor, but acquiring Jarrett Allen earlier this season proved there was no
CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 06: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 06, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user
Lonzo Ball, New Orleans Pelicans. (Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports) Wisconsin basketball: Badgers spoof ‘Full House’ intro for March Madness hype video by Bre’ana Singleton Lonzo Ball is reportedly interested in joining the New York Knicks in his restricted free agency. New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball will be hitting restricted free agency this summer.
Kevin Porter Jr. has likely played his final game with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The NBA rumor mill is about to add one very intriguing name into the fold, as all signs point to Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kevin Porter Jr. having talked his way out of The Land. Porter, who has been hit with weapons charges
With the NBA trade deadline coming next month, some big players could be on the move, and the list includes Victor Oladipo. Which standout hoopers will be on the move before the NBA trade deadline? That’s an intriguing question, no doubt. Among the talents for fans to keep an eye on moving forward is Houston
Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images Kelvin Gastelum feels more ‘present’ heading into UFC 258 by Nicole Bosco The New York Knicks already added a veteran to the backcourt, trading for Derrick Rose. Now they reportedly have their eyes on Bradley Beal and Victor Oladipo. The Knicks have had a surprisingly strong season thus far. Julius
Derrick Rose trade rumors are already swirling ahead of the deadline. Backup guard and former MVP Derrick Rose is currently stranded on a Detroit Pistons team with the most losses in the NBA, but he might not have to waste away on an Eastern Conference basement-dweller for much longer. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania,