Max Kellerman Critiques Knicks’ Title Hopes
The New York Knicks find themselves in a precarious position as they navigate the early stages of the NBA season. With a record of 14-7, they currently sit second in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Detroit Pistons. While the season is still unfolding, the Knicks are struggling to validate the championship aspirations that were set for them during the preseason.
Kellerman’s Controversial Take on Brunson
In a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, sports analyst Max Kellerman did not shy away from expressing his concerns regarding the Knicks’ roster, specifically targeting their star player, Jalen Brunson. Kellerman boldly stated, “The problem with the Knicks is they will never win a championship when their best player is six feet tall.”
His assertion draws on historical context, noting that since the era of the Bad Boy Pistons, no NBA champion has had a player under 6’3” as their primary star. Kellerman referenced Isiah Thomas as the last player of that stature to lead a team to a championship, emphasizing that the physical demands of the game make it difficult for shorter players to carry that burden.
Brunson’s Role and Impact
Standing officially at 6’2”, Jalen Brunson is undeniably the focal point of the Knicks’ offensive strategy and serves as the team’s captain. His skill set and leadership qualities have made him a vital asset, yet Kellerman’s critique raises essential questions about the Knicks’ long-term viability as title contenders.
Kellerman further elaborated, suggesting that for the Knicks to truly compete for a championship, they need more than just Brunson at the helm. “You need at least another guy who, in big moments, is at least as good as Jalen Brunson,” he added, indicating that depth and size are crucial components missing from the current roster.
Height and Championship Aspirations
As the discourse surrounding the Knicks evolves, Kellerman’s comments spotlight an ongoing debate about player height and its correlation with success in the NBA. The average height for NBA players hovers around 6’7″, making Brunson’s stature an outlier among the league’s elite.
The discussion around Jalen Brunson and the Knicks serves as a reminder that while talent and skill are imperative, physical attributes can also play a pivotal role in the quest for an NBA championship. As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how the Knicks respond to these critiques and whether they can find a way to elevate their play to meet—and exceed—the expectations set before them.
