Reggie Miller believes "this is the year" the Knicks will reach the NBA Finals

Reggie Miller, one of the great names in NBA history and eternal "villain" of Madison Square Garden, surprised many with his most recent statement about the New York Knicks. During an NBC Sports press conference prior to the start of the season, the Hall of Famer stated that he fully believes the New York team will reach the NBA Finals.

"I will say this, because people always think I hate the Knicks, and that's not true, I love the Knicks," Miller affirmed. "If the Knicks don't make it out of the East this year, something is wrong."

The former player of the Indiana Pacers noted that the outlook in the Eastern Conference looks clearer for the New Yorkers, especially after the injuries to Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) and Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), who will be out for most or all of the season.

The Knicks come from a solid campaign, with a record of 51-31 placing them third in the East, just behind Cleveland and Boston. In the past playoffs, they eliminated the Celtics in the second round before falling to the Pacers in the Conference Finals. For the new season, the team has retained its core, added depth with the arrivals of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, and has opted for a new coach: Mike Brown, instead of Tom Thibodeau.

With the Celtics and Pacers weakened and emerging franchises like Detroit and Orlando still developing, the Knicks are poised to contend with the Cavaliers for Eastern Conference leadership.

“Cleveland had the best record last year and retained its core, but they still need to prove themselves in the playoffs,” explained Miller. “For me, the Knicks, with their new coach Mike Brown and the best clutch player from last year, Jalen Brunson, have everything set to win the East. Of course, they have to go out and do it, but I believe this is the year for the Knicks.”

His broadcasting partner at NBC, Jamal Crawford, couldn't help but joke: “Well, Reg, it surprises me to hear you show so much love for the Knicks."

The Challenging Moment for the Knicks

However, Miller warned that the real challenges could arise in the Finals. The former shooting guard believes that the reigning champion, the Oklahoma City Thunder, is on track to become a potential dynasty.

“Are we witnessing the formation of a young Chicago Bulls in OKC?” Miller pondered, comparing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren to the legendary trio of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman. “They have the talent, depth, and hunger necessary. If they stay healthy and focused, I love their chances of repeating the title.”

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Reggie Miller cree que “este es el año” en que los Knicks llegarán a las Finales de la NBA