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Instagram Stories, All Star Weekend, and J.R. Smith: Why Kyrie to the Knicks Has Become More Than Just Speculation

Image via Getty/Rob Foldy

The NBA preseason is less than a month away, but the offseason rumor mill is still in full motion. One of the most popular topics is the debate over which jersey All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving will suit up for at the beginning of the 2019-2020 season. Ever since he demanded a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers in July 2017, fans and analysts all around the league have speculated on where he wants to end up. At 26 years old, he’s already accomplished more than most players have achieved throughout their entire careers. He’s an NBA champion, Rookie of the Year, and a 5-time All Star. So, why do the New York Knicks, who have compiled a record of 109-219 over the past 4 seasons, have the best odds to sign the superstar guard?

Culture: Kyrie was born in Melbourne but moved to the U.S. when he was 2 years old. (He holds dual American and Australian citizenship) He grew up in West Orange, New Jersey which is only 30 minutes away from Madison Square Garden. He clearly reveres the atmosphere of New York basketball, especially Rucker Park. In an interview with SLAMonline after the release of his movie "Uncle Drew," he reflected on the significance of the historic New York court, stating "But the culture — being engraved it in it — is something I’m down for……it’s 145th street, man. It’s a historical place, watching people go there, watching from the gate, being in the stands, kids running around outside the park, it’s cool." Interestingly enough, he was spotted back at Rucker Park this August, with some interesting company: Tim Hardaway Jr.


Granted, he probably linked up with multiple NBA personalities at the event, but whatever exchange he and Timmy had was significant enough for the Knicks shooting guard to post a picture of them on his story.

Talent: The Knicks haven't had a team with a winning record since the 2012-2013 54-win squad, but they have been building a solid core of young players that could potentially compliment Kyrie's strengths perfectly. In 20-year old Frank Ntilikina, the team has a defensive-minded guard who doesn't need the ball in his hands in order to make an impact on a game. He could take on tougher assignments and let Irving focus his energy primarily on offense.

With 19-year old Kevin Knox, he appears to be much more prepared for life in the NBA than scouts originally thought. With him, the Knicks have an athletic small forward who can cut to the basket for big finishes or step out beyond the 3-point line with his underrated range. In the summer league, he showed doubters why the front office drafted him over players like Mikal Bridges and Michael Porter Jr.

And of course, Kristaps Porzingis. The 23-year old has gotten better every season he's been in the league, earning his first All Star title last season before he tore his ACL. When healthy, he has an unstoppable combination of size, speed, strength and shooting that makes him almost impossible to guard. He's a big man unlike anything the NBA has ever seen, (A unicorn, perhaps?) and Kyrie Irving seems to understand that very well.

The rest of the league has taken notice as well, with many ESPN insiders reporting that the Knicks are going to heavily recruit Irving as soon as the 2018-2019 season concludes. Current players have even weighed in, with former Knick J.R. Smith as the latest example:

Leadership: Yes, the Boston Celtics roster is amazing. They're filled with stars and promising young players, but that doesn't necessarily mean that Kyrie isn't entertaining the idea of playing on another squad. He has always won games during his career, however there is one thing he has left to prove. He wants to lead his team to glory, and he wants to show the NBA world that he doesn't need a superstar like Lebron James in order to be successful. It seemed like he finally achieved that status this year, but then he suffered a season-ending knee injury. While he was watching on the bench, the Boston Celtics battled all the way to game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, and questions began to surface about Kyrie's importance to the success of the team.

With the New York Knicks, Kyrie Irving would automatically become the unquestioned leader of the young New York core. He would be playing in one of the largest markets, for a city that appreciates basketball unlike any other. His championship pedigree, along with his knowledge and seniority could immediately improve the youngsters and reopen the window of title contention that fans have craved for years.