Stephen A. Smith picks the Knicks as one of the top teams in East after Mikal Bridges’ inclusion

Stephen A. Smith is enthusiastic about the Knicks' prospects for the 2024-25 season.

Stephen A. Smith picks the Knicks as one of the top teams in East after Mikal Bridges’ inclusion

Stephen A. Smith and Mikal Bridges

The New York Knicks made a significant trade by acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, a move that excited Stephen A. Smith, a Knicks superfan. SAS praised Bridges’ two-way abilities, citing his scoring, defense, and versatility. 

However, he acknowledged that the Knicks gave up a lot of draft picks for the trade. Despite this, Stephen A. Smith believes that the Knicks have the potential to be a top team in the Eastern Conference, with only the reigning champion Boston Celtics standing above them. 

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The only team I definitively think above them is the reigning, defending NBA champion Boston Celtics. Anybody else, you got some work to do cuz the New York Knicks, baby, the culture, the fire, the tenacity, the defense is here.
Stephen A. Smith said on ESPN’s First Take

Smith also urged OG Anunoby to re-sign with the Knicks, highlighting his importance to the team’s turnaround last season. Additionally, Smith celebrated the reunion of the “Nova Knicks” quartet, consisting of Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo, all former Villanova Wildcats teammates.

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Overall, Stephen A. Smith is enthusiastic about the Knicks’ prospects for the 2024-25 season, with the addition of Mikal Bridges being a significant boost to their chances.

Knicks eyeing Kyle Lowry to join Villanova reunion

The New York Knicks, fresh off acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports are reportedly interested in adding another Villanova alum, Kyle Lowry, to their roster. Lowry, a six-time All-Star and NBA champion, would join a growing list of Villanova players on the Knicks.

The Knicks’ pursuit of Lowry is seen as a move to bolster their wing depth and compete with the defending champion Boston Celtics. Lowry, 38, has shown he can still produce at a high level, shooting over 44% from the floor and 40% from three-point range last season. 

The Villanova connection is strong in New York, with Jay Wright’s consistent production in the backcourt leading to two national championships. The Knicks are tapping into that pipeline, and Lowry could be the next piece to join the reunion. 

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