A New York Knicks icon loves what the front office has built, but he does not see Giannis Antetokounmpo being part of it.
a way in. One person who knows this city's basketball soul better than most has a pretty clear answer. John Starks, who spent eight seasons in a Knicks jersey and remains involved with the organization today, sat down with"Giannis is not coming.
He's not coming. To be honest with you, I'm not sure if he was going to leave Milwaukee because he's such a loyal individual and I respect that about him." Starks pointed to the fact that Giannis had every chance to leave before Milwaukee won it all, and he stayed put. That kind of loyalty is rare, and Starks made clear he respects it deeply. "He said, no, just give me some players put around me and I'll bring you a championship and he delivered on his promise. I respect players like that. You don't want to see guys jumping from team to team searching and what have you."Starks is not just talking from the outside. He lived the grind of trying to win a title in New York through the early 1990s, got to the 1994 NBA Finals, and came up just short. He knows what sticking it out really costs. "It's like, dude, sit down and fight hard and that's what it takes in order to, you know, win. It's easy to just like, okay, this is too tough for me. I'm gonna walk out the door."His comments on loyalty were only part of it. Starks also spoke about what playing in New York actually means, and where the Knicks stand as an organization right now. "New York is the greatest city ever when you win it, but if you ain't win it, it could be a tough city for you, but I think everybody wants to be in a big market." He acknowledged that Giannis wants to compete at the highest level in a big market, but winning has to come with it. Then he turned it back to what the Knicks have built. "We're a very attractive organization right now thanks to Leon and Wes and everybody that's involved in the front office of putting together a great team to be able to have players wants to come and play for us." That last part matters. Starks is not saying New York is a bad destination. He is saying the Knicks have built something real. The Giannis trade buzz will not disappear, and Make sure you bookmark Knicks on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!Jayesh Pagar is currently pursuing Sports Journalism from the London School of Journalism and brings four years of experience in sports media coverage. He has contributed extensively to NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and college football content.Clippers vs. Bucks Prediction, Odds and Best NBA Prop Bets for Sunday, March 29Josh Hart Tells Stephen A. Smith to ‘Shut the Hell Up,’ ESPN Personality Responds
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jalen Brunson shines, but Knicks' 7-game win streak ends in loss to HornetsThe New York Knicks missed out on an opportunity to clinch a position in the postseason following a 114-101 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night at
Read more »
Stephen A. Smith fires back at Josh Hart as Knicks feud intensifiesWe’re officially onto Hart vs. Smith: Round III.
Read more »
Knicks Get Injury Updates on Landry Shamet, Miles McBrideThe New York Knicks got mixed news on two guards ahead of a crucial stretch, and one update is more encouraging than the other.
Read more »
Knicks upgrade Miles McBride's status as he appears on verge of return from injuryHe is listed as questionable for the Knicks’ game against the Thunder.
Read more »
Mitchell Robinson, Jordan Clarkson stepping into key Knicks leadership rolesThe Knicks are finding important leadership voices beyond their main stars.
Read more »
Knicks Get Positive News on Miles McBride For Thunder GameThe New York Knicks are set to welcome back Miles McBride
Read more »