With young superstars dominating the New York sports market, who is truly at the top, claiming the title of King of New York?
- Introduction by Justin Birnbaum
- Roundtable Members: Justin Birnbaum, Danny Small, Frank Curto, John DaSilva, Benny Tomko, Nicholas Durst, Nicholas Santuccio
Kristaps Porzingis is lighting up Madison Square Garden. Aaron Judge was a finalist for AL MVP. Odell Beckham Jr. is still dominating radio waves in a year where he’s not even on the field.
New York City sports has an interesting crop of young superstars that could easily own this town: Own it in the way that Derek Jeter did in the 90s and 2000s, and the same way that Mark Messier and other larger-than-life stars did before him.
With the question of who will be the next “King of New York” burning in all of our minds, I assembled an elite (pun very much intended) group comprised of our ESNY team to debate this issue. We laughed, we argued, and at one point, we even descended into Tebowmania. Read our conversation below and enjoy.
Note: This the content has only been adjusted and edited for formatting purposes. And shoutout to Kate Feldman of BP Mets for inspiring this type of format.
Justin Birnbaum [8:02 PM]
This all started the other night when Collin Loring brought an interesting question to the table in one of our Slack channels.
With Porzingis on fire, revitalizing the Garden, and Aaron Judge potentially going to be the AL MVP, does Odell Beckham belong in the same company?
Basically, who is the King of New York? Who has the most upside? And do the second-tier guys like Syndergaard, Tavares, and Frank’s trio from the Rangers belong in the discussion?
Nicholas Durst [8:03 PM]
Not only is Odell Beckham Jr. the biggest star in New York sports, but he is the second biggest star in North America behind LeBron James. His popularity cannot be matched.
Frank Curto [8:03 PM]
I don’t think he does.
Are we talking popularity or achievement?
Justin Birnbaum [8:03 PM]
All things considered.
Benny Tomko [8:04 PM]
Not even close. Now, he is at a disadvantage because he is not in control of his quarterback’s abilities. But, I need to see more from him both on and off the field to even kind of consider him as “king of New York“ status.
Frank Curto [8:04 PM]
In terms of popularity he is the King, but producing on the field, I say no.
Nicholas Santuccio [8:04 PM]
I️ have to agree with Durst. Beckham had been out for weeks with a broken ankle and still dominates the airwaves for better or worse.
Justin Birnbaum [8:04 PM]
On one hand, Beckham easily has the most prevalent signature play of the three.
Nicholas Durst [8:05 PM]
Achievement wise, Beckham has the best stats ever by any wide receiver through three seasons and he missed four games his rookie season!
Benny Tomko [8:05 PM]
I don’t even think he has the edge in popularity anymore. Judge is all things New York right now and has been for the last several months.
Justin Birnbaum [8:05 PM]
But at the same time it’s like Benny said, if you’re not a quarterback can you really claim that top spot?
Nicholas Durst [8:06 PM]
Beckham Jr. is the most popular football player since LT! There is a reason why he signed the biggest shoe deal ever for a football player with Nike (five years/$25 million). You don’t see any QB getting that type of deal.
Benny Tomko [8:06 PM]
It’s one of the only positions in a sport where you absolutely rely on someone else to have a great game before you can have one.
Danny Small [8:06 PM]
I think labeling Beckham the “King of New York” is tough because he’s the type of guy people love or hate. He might be the most interesting storyline in New York sports, but I can’t call him the King. Like Benny and Justin said, it’s hard for a non-QB football player to take that spot.
Frank Curto [8:07 PM]
That goes for any sport. It’s more than individual skill when your talking teams. Odell, individually, is great, but hasn’t done anything yet in my eyes.
John DaSilva [8:07 PM]
Odell has the ability to be king of one-handed catches, but he will lose popularity if he continues having temper tantrums with kicking nets and doing touchdown celebrations mimicking dogs using the fire hydrant.
Nicholas Durst [8:08 PM]
What do Judge, Porzingis, Beckham Jr. and whoever else you want to consider the King of NY have in common? All have won no championships. So I don’t get the argument that Odell hasn’t won anything.
Frank Curto [8:08 PM]
Wouldn’t it be necessary to first identify what we all think makes one the King of New York?
Justin Birnbaum [8:08 PM]
Frank makes a good point.
Nicholas Durst [8:08 PM]
The fire hydrant celebration was stupid but all the other celebrations were fine. If he didn’t play in NY, would there always be a camera on him scrutinizing his every move?
Danny Small [8:08 PM]
I think right now if you are ranking them all things considered (popularity, individual success, team success, etc.) Judge has to be No. 1.
Frank Curto [8:09 PM]
I agree Nick. Judge had a great rookie year, but its one year only. Porzingis and Beckham have not won anything either.
Nicholas Durst [8:09 PM]
If he won a cup, the King of NY would be the King of the NHL = Henrik Lundqvist.
Justin Birnbaum [8:09 PM]
Hank had the opportunity to own this town, but the Rangers never came through.
And now he’s well past his prime.
NEXT: Page 2
Frank Curto [8:10 PM]
I should say I do not believe you need to win a championship to be a great player or a king. Dan Marino and Henrik Lundqvist are examples.
Justin Birnbaum [8:10 PM]
I agree with Frank.
Benny Tomko [8:10 PM]
True, but what Judge did this season was his stork. And as for popularity, he is now the spokesperson for one of the largest companies in the world.
Danny Small [8:10 PM]
I don’t think a hockey player will ever be the king of NY.
Nicholas Durst [8:10 PM]
I would say he always performed well, team never helped him in the playoffs though.
Justin Birnbaum [8:10 PM]
Eli Manning won two Super Bowls and has never really been close to this top spot in my eyes.
Nicholas Durst [8:11 PM]
The King of NY needs to be not only a star on the field, but a star off it.
Frank Curto [8:11 PM]
Lets see how Judge does the second time around. The numbers were great, but he needs to match or excel if he is the king.
Danny Small [8:11 PM]
It was tough for Eli because Jeter was still around when he was winning Super Bowls.
Benny Tomko [8:11 PM]
Just typing that very same Jeter sentiment.
Frank Curto [8:11 PM]
Well, then football players are out lol. Kidding of course, but they do seem to have a lot of off-field problems in the NFL.
Justin Birnbaum [8:11 PM]
Completely unrelated, but I think being in Peyton’s shadow hurts Eli, especially the Jeter complex.
Frank Curto [8:12 PM]
I’m not a Yankee fan, but Jeter is King, might still be now.
Benny Tomko [8:12 PM]
Absolutely.
Nicholas Durst [8:12 PM]
The undisputed King of NY from 2013-2015 was Matt Harvey. He had the “it” factor and revitalized the Mets franchise. Then you always saw him at Knicks and Rangers games. Before him, it was Victor Cruz. Off the field popularity is very important when it comes to NY.
Robby Sabo [2:28 a.m. ET while editing]
See, everybody and anybody can say, “Hey look, this guy is popular.” There’s no arguing popularity. What we need to is properly point out those instances in which popularity is unwarranted or overrated. As it turns out, Harvey’s was completely overrated. Is Judge’s? Is Beckham’s? That’s the real question to go along with true value to his specific team.
Justin Birnbaum [8:12 PM]
I think Jeter abdicated his crown with his move down to Miami.
John DaSilva [8:12 PM]
Eli was the man but he never looked to be the man off the field, rather let guys like Victor Cruz do that.
Frank Curto [8:12 PM]
Jeter is the standard everyone. Winner on the field, captain of team, never got in trouble off the field (or never was caught). Either way, always out of trouble.
Benny Tomko [8:12 PM]
Frank might be right, it still might be too early to label someone else as the king of New York.
Justin Birnbaum [8:13 PM]
I think Jeter is the perfect archetype to look for the successor now, minus the championships.
Frank Curto [8:13 PM]
Think about it. Jeter played here in NYC for how many years? Never a drinking problem, a women problem, and a winner on the field as his foundation. That is the definition of what we are discussing here.
John DaSilva [8:14 PM]
Even though many players were considered the man, sometimes the No. 2 guy besides him is just as important.
Nicholas Durst [8:14 PM]
Jeter was a HUGE womanizer. Had more girlfriends than just about any athlete.
Danny Small [8:14 PM]
Harvey couldn’t be the king because he wasn’t even THE guy in the Mets rotation for the most part.
Nicholas Durst [8:14 PM]
Harvey was THE guy in the Mets rotation until 2016.
John DaSilva [8:14 PM]
For Beckham, he needs that QB to be right there with him.
NEXT: Page 3
Justin Birnbaum [8:14 PM]
I think that before his TJ Surgery Harvey was ready to be that guy.
Nicholas Durst [8:14 PM]
Of course in 2015 and 2016 deGrom was amazing.
Justin Birnbaum [8:15 PM]
And then after everybody just wanted it too much while it wasn’t happening.
Frank Curto [8:15 PM]
So is it consistency? Then it could be Hank. 30 wins every year but the lockout season.
John DaSilva [8:15 PM]
Harvey needed the offense to support him and deliver.
Justin Birnbaum [8:15 PM]
Hank is of the old guard though. His best days are behind him.
Benny Tomko [8:15 PM]
I don’t think any of the guys we are talking about have the longitudinal credentials we are looking for right now.
Nicholas Santuccio [8:16 PM]
What about the case for Syndergaard then? Thor persona, achievement on the field in both regular and postseason, and his new girlfriend has him making off-field headlines? Popping up at Rangers games and his interactions with Mr. Met make him a fun player to follow.
Frank Curto [8:16 PM]
Harvey never met his potential because of injuries and bad games. He will never be the pitcher he was supposed to be.
Nicholas Santuccio [8:16 PM]
Might not be the King but has a case at the least.
Frank Curto [8:16 PM]
Mr. Met could be the King lol.
Justin Birnbaum [8:16 PM]
Well, that was something I was going to pose later on, should any of the tier two guys be considered?
John DaSilva [8:16 PM]
Noah has personality, but he now has to stay healthy and produce.
Justin Birnbaum [8:16 PM]
Thor was like Harvey in that he had a meteoric rise, but injuries halted it.
Frank Curto [8:17 PM]
I think a player needs to have a few good quality years played to be in the conversation.
Justin Birnbaum [8:17 PM]
If Thor had a healthy 2017, he’d be right up there. And I know that’s a double standard because of Odell, but Odell’s popularity is on a whole other level.
Danny Small [8:17 PM]
Yeah, the injury this year hurts him, but the potential is there for Syndergaard.
John DaSilva [8:17 PM]
John Tavares could be it if Garth Snow can get a player to help him out.
Frank Curto [8:17 PM]
I think the dog peeing hydrant crap cost Odell big time.
Nicholas Durst [8:17 PM]
If Porzingis can lead the Knicks to a title, he will definitely be the King. But if he doesn’t, eventually dumb fans will turn on him and won’t appreciate him. Just like we’ve seen with Patrick Ewing, Henrik Lundqvist, and Carmelo Anthony. New York fans don’t realize what they have until they are gone.
Justin Birnbaum [8:18 PM]
I feel like the NHL is at such a bias in this discussion, hence why Tavares ends up in Tier Two in my mind.
John DaSilva [8:18 PM]
Last night, we may have seen the player to help Porzingis reach the next level, Enes Kanter.
Frank Curto [8:18 PM]
That’s true, New York fans associate greatness with championships. It’s a poor comparison.
Justin Birnbaum [8:18 PM]
Are you guys familiar with the Ewing Theory? That teams play better after their designated star is removed from the equation …
Danny Small [8:18 PM]
I agree with Nick. If Porzingis ever led the Knicks to a title this wouldn’t even be a discussion.
Justin Birnbaum [8:19 PM]
… latest example being Carmelo Anthony.
Benny Tomko [8:19 PM]
But again, we are talking about potential and needing to see more. Judge might be the MVP (although it’s probably Altuve), is the cover boy for the new baseball game for PlayStation and is dating a smoke show from the social media universe. I just don’t see how it’s not him.
Danny Small [8:19 PM]
And I also think any hockey player is automatically in Tier Two. Hockey just doesn’t move the needle for people like football, baseball, and basketball do.
Benny Tomko [8:19 PM]
Agreed.
Justin Birnbaum [8:20 PM]
To counter your point Benny, what Judge has done is unparalleled. But Judge didn’t revitalize the Yankees. Yeah, they were rebuilding, but they weren’t far removed from their last playoff appearance and it hasn’t even been a decade since their last title. KP is literally breathing life into the Garden right now.
Frank Curto [8:20 PM]
That may be the case, but Lundqvist is more popular than any football or basketball player in NY right now. My opinion I know, but that’s how I see it.
John DaSilva [8:20 PM]
You could be married to a superstar singer or actress, Mike Fisher and Mike Comrie, and still not be King of their City.
Nicholas Durst [8:20 PM]
Benny, Beckham Jr. was on the cover of Madden, dated famous ladies, and is by far the best player at his position in the league. He’s always is hanging with celebrities like Drake or athletes in other sports like the self-proclaimed King LeBron James. Plus, he has a shoe deal and is in a ton of commercials. Not only is he popular in NY, he is popular all over.
Frank Curto [8:21 PM]
True, John but can’t go wrong with Carrie Underwood lol.
Justin Birnbaum [8:21 PM]
And I actually think that KP not being big into NYC nightlife plays into his favor right now. It seems like certain NY sports fans crave athletes that just go out and play ball.
NEXT: Page 4
Frank Curto [8:21 PM]
Agreed Justin.
John DaSilva [8:21 PM]
Can’t go wrong with her at all.
Frank Curto [8:22 PM]
But again is this a popularity contest or what have you done on the field topic?
Justin Birnbaum [8:22 PM]
It’s a blend, in my opinion.
There’s a mystique to all of it
Benny Tomko [8:22 PM]
For sure. Totally hear what you’re saying. We were just talking about right now, this very moment. I just believe it’s advantage AJ 99.
Nicholas Durst [8:23 PM]
There are different tiers if popularity. A lot of it has to do with the sport that the guys play too.
Tier 1: Odell Beckham Jr.
Tier 2: Kristaps Porzingis and Aaron Judge
Tier 3: Henrik Lundqvist
Frank Curto [8:23 PM]
Benny, I agree right now, today it’s Judge. (I’m a hockey guy, 99 is only for one player sorry lol.)
John DaSilva [8:23 PM]
KP is so unique, plays great and still has potential to be the best in the league. Plus he is so young.
Justin Birnbaum [8:23 PM]
I think it comes down to whether Judge gets the MVP.
I know it probably will happen, but if Altuve does it takes away from his case.
Benny Tomko [8:24 PM]
Lol.
Danny Small [8:24 PM]
Judge is on top right now in my eyes, but I also don’t love giving any of these guys the label “King of NY” like Jeter was.
Frank Curto [8:24 PM]
I don’t think he needs MVP to be king of NY. Look at all he accomplished.
Justin Birnbaum [8:24 PM]
Maybe we should name them Prince for now Danny haha.
John DaSilva [8:24 PM]
Next year Judge will be all over with his Pepsi deal.
Justin Birnbaum [8:24 PM]
Prince of NY.
Frank Curto [8:24 PM]
Yes.
Benny Tomko [8:24 PM]
Great call Justin.
Nicholas Santuccio [8:24 PM]
Heir to the King.
Danny Small [8:25 PM]
Hahaha yeah Prince I think works haha.
Nicholas Durst [8:25 PM]
Can we all just agree that the true King of New York sports is Mike Francesa? Guy has been doing it for 30 years.
Benny Tomko [8:25 PM]
Or have like a “bachelor“ type list of the nominees.
Frank Curto [8:25 PM]
Oh no, no Francesca talk please.
Bachelor thing is pretty funny.
Benny Tomko [8:25 PM]
Lol
Danny Small [8:26 PM]
Numbah one, look at his ratings. He’ll always be king of New York ok?
John DaSilva [8:26 PM]
And Mike will make sure you know it.
Nicholas Durst [8:26 PM]
Francesa got the NYC Marathon cancelled and brought Mike Piazza to the Mets. Guy has power.
Frank Curto [8:26 PM]
Lol funny Nicholas.
Justin Birnbaum [8:26 PM]
He literally brought Mike Piazza to the Mets.
I will never get over that lol.
Frank Curto [8:27 PM]
I’m a Don La Greca guy, so who cares about Mike anyway.
Nicholas Durst [8:27 PM]
You name a big sporting event and Mike has been there and he will let be sure to let you know.
Benny Tomko [8:28 PM]
Damn right well.
Frank Curto [8:28 PM]
Mike is not the King of NY…
Benny Tomko [8:28 PM]
And make you feel bad for not being there yourself.
Justin Birnbaum [8:29 PM]
If New York is Westeros then Francesa is definitely on the Small Council.
For all my GoT fans out there.
John DaSilva [8:29 PM]
Could there be any chance Gary Sanchez could reach Aaron Judge level of popularity, especially if he improves defense or moves to another position?
Frank Curto [8:30 PM]
Can’t listen to a guy who knows nothing about hockey, then when he gets a hockey guy on with him thinks he is Don Friggin’ Cherry.
Justin Birnbaum [8:30 PM]
I would think Judge would have to bomb for that to happen.
As long as Judge is this good Sanchez is Robin to his Batman.
Benny Tomko [8:30 PM]
Totally agree Justin.
Nicholas Durst [8:30 PM]
Gary Sanchez is a prime example of why Aaron Judge is NOT the King of NY sports. After the 2016 season, everyone was saying Gary Sanchez was the King of NY. Now, no one cares about him.
Danny Small [8:31 PM]
I think Judge has a head start on any other Yankee, but Sanchez, Bird, and Torres all have the potential to be better than him.
Justin Birnbaum [8:31 PM]
Amazing how a year makes a difference.
Frank Curto [8:31 PM]
You needs to have a few good years to get the title I think.
Benny Tomko [8:31 PM]
Great point Nick.
Danny Small [8:32 PM]
And I feel like there are a lot of Giants fans who don’t like Beckham but you couldn’t find many Yankees fans that don’t like Judge or Knicks fans that don’t like Porzingis.
Justin Birnbaum [8:32 PM]
I think that can be attributed to a lack of off the field issues with KP and Judge.
Frank Curto [8:32 PM]
Yeah Giant fans have had it I think with Odell. One handed catches are great, but winning is more important.
Justin Birnbaum [8:33 PM]
A lot of the KP drama was just blamed on Phil Jackson.
He was absolved pretty quickly.
Danny Small [8:33 PM]
Beckham has a little bit of A-Rod in him with alienating his own fan base at times.
Nicholas Santuccio [8:33 PM]
Odell isn’t the reason the Giants are not winning.
Benny Tomko [8:33 PM]
That’s another great point, you have to be known across all sports. It’s not enough to be well liked by the fans of that one specific team: EVERYONE needs to know who you are to be the king of New York.
John DaSilva [8:34 PM]
We have seen receivers like TO and Moss be some of the best, but also be team killers. Giant fans worried Odell could become that.
Danny Small [8:34 PM]
I don’t think Beckham is the reason the Giants aren’t winning, but there are Giants fans out there that can’t stand him.
Nicholas Durst [8:34 PM]
The media plays a huge role into whether or not a guy is viewed in a positive or negative light. As far as baseball goes, there are 162 games, so it is not covered the same way the NFL is with only 16 games. Beckham Jr. has a camera in his face with his every move. Whereas a baseball player will only have a camera on him when he is batting or making a catch or doing a post game interview. The media finds a reason to make a story out of nothing. If Beckham decided to drink two cups of gatorade instead of one, ESPN and ESNY would find a way to make it into a big story. It is a joke.
Frank Curto [8:34 PM]
I think Odell might be there John. Time for him to be a great football player and not a great social media player.
John DaSilva [8:35 PM]
Not just a great football player, but a great team player.
Frank Curto [8:35 PM]
Touche.
Benny Tomko [8:36 PM]
A great dude too.
Danny Small [8:36 PM]
I agree Nick that the media follows his every move, but he plays into that so much with the way he acts. He fuels the fire of the media all the time.
NEXT: Page 5
John DaSilva [8:36 PM]
Sometimes make sacrifices and avoid making certain demands so the team can be better.
Justin Birnbaum [8:36 PM]
I like what Nicholas said.
Constant coverage plays a big factor.
Nicholas Durst [8:36 PM]
I disagree Danny. If he played in Minnesota, we would never hear about anything other than his incredible play on the field.
Justin Birnbaum [8:36 PM]
The media can paint a player in any light they choose.
The first decade of Jeter’s career when he really built his legend he didn’t have to deal with that, not to discount his greatness.
Nicholas Durst [8:37 PM]
Look at New York Mets outfield prospect Tim Tebow. The media is a main reason he was run out of the NFL despite having a winning record at QB. The Jets of course ruined his career.
Frank Curto [8:38 PM]
That’s true, but the player has to know the media is there especially in NY. Odell knew this coming in and I think he loves the attention he gets and certainly feeds off it.
Benny Tomko [8:38 PM]
Just the same way they made Sanchez look like a Joe hater in the middle of his defensive woes.
Justin Birnbaum [8:38 PM]
I think the media circus played a part, but Tebow flaming out of the NFL was more about not being a traditional pocket passer with a long release.
At the end of the day the NFL values pro-style talent more than just pure talent.
John DaSilva [8:38 PM]
In football, coaches hate distractions. Tebow was a distraction. If Odell wasn’t producing, he would be called a distraction and Reese would have gotten rid of him.
Danny Small [8:39 PM]
Tebow’s career was doomed after he left Denver.
Nicholas Durst [8:39 PM]
If Odell Beckham Jr wasn’t on the Giants, Reese would have been out of a job 3 years ago.
The NY media ate him up Danny.
The Jets are a place where all NFL players careers go to die.
Danny Small [8:40 PM]
I might be the biggest Tebow fan around but there were a lot of things that hurt Tebow’s career.
Frank Curto [8:40 PM]
True. The media feeds off players like Odell. They know he will do or say something positive or negative to write about. Lets not forget the purpose of the media.
Justin Birnbaum [8:40 PM]
Players drafted in front of Odell Beckham: Clowney, Greg Robinson, Blake Bortles, Sammy Watkins, Khalil Mack, Jake Matthews, Mike Evans, Justin Gilbert, Anthony Barr, Eric Ebron, Taylor Lewan.
Danny Small [8:40 PM]
One of the main things being that he wasn’t a good enough pure passer to lead an NFL team.
Nicholas Santuccio [8:41 PM]
Mike Evans has been throwing Gatorade jugs and making dirty hits that cost him a suspension this season and I️ feel like I️ haven’t heard anything about it.
Nicholas Durst [8:41 PM]
Because no one cares in Tampa Bay.
Justin Birnbaum [8:41 PM]
Evans and Tampa Bay as a whole definitely a major bust this year.
Nicholas Santuccio [8:41 PM]
Exactly.
Nicholas Durst [8:41 PM]
Jameis Winston was tickling a guy on the sideline which led to Evans suspension, but it wasn’t a big deal because it is Florida.
John DaSilva [8:41 PM]
Tebow is a great man and in order for him to be a success, he needed the right talent, system, and organization to adjust and work with him to strengthen his abilities and hide his weaknesses.
Justin Birnbaum [8:42 PM]
That’s the New York Media for you. Survive or become extinct.
Frank Curto [8:42 PM]
So how does this bring us back to the King of NY?
Danny Small [8:42 PM]
Because Tebow is the King of the World.
Justin Birnbaum [8:42 PM]
Tebow makes the Majors, breaks out, leads the Mets to the World Series, and we have this discussion a year later naming Tebow our King.
John DaSilva [8:42 PM]
Would it be safe to say Tebow was King of Denver when he was there?
Frank Curto [8:42 PM]
Judge does have a good relationship with the media.
Justin Birnbaum [8:43 PM]
I really like the respectfulness of Judge and KP.
Nicholas Durst [8:43 PM]
Tebow was the king of sports while in Denver.
Justin Birnbaum [8:43 PM]
They are really just there to play ball.
Frank Curto [8:43 PM]
Justin, we just went in a circle, lol. So it does take more than a season to be the king.
Nicholas Durst [8:43 PM]
YES.
John DaSilva [8:43 PM]
Because he is proof you don’t need to be the best on the team or at your position to be the King.
Frank Curto [8:43 PM]
Well said John.
Nicholas Durst [8:43 PM]
Agreed John.
But that is only true for football or basketball.
Danny Small [8:44 PM]
Tebow is still the King of UF forever if that counts for anything.
Nicholas Durst [8:44 PM]
If Judge played in Tampa Bay, no one would have made a big deal.
Justin Birnbaum [8:44 PM]
When I pitched this idea, I never for a moment remotely imagined we would descend into Tebowmania.
Benny Tomko [8:45 PM]
Exactly ND.
Nicholas Durst [8:45 PM]
Mike Trout, the greatest baseball player of all time would have been MVP had he stayed healthy and no one would be talking about Judge like they are. Because he plays on the West Coast, it hurts his popularity.
Danny Small [8:46 PM]
There’s always time to talk about Tebow.
Benny Tomko [8:46 PM]
Totally agree. Same goes for a guy like Nolan Arenado.
Nicholas Durst [8:46 PM]
It is Tebow Time all the time!
Benny, look at Votto and Goldschmidt.
Frank Curto [8:47 PM]
Justin you should be surprised I didn’t try to pull this thing to the NHL side lol.
John DaSilva [8:47 PM]
If you ask Houston, who is their King? Altuve or Verlander? Verlander came over and helped lead the Astros to title and also has Kate Upton.
Justin Birnbaum [8:47 PM]
I was almost certain you were going to pull this off to Zibanejad, Miller, and Buchnevich.
Nicholas Durst [8:47 PM]
Frank, Sean Avery is the King of Martin Brodeur.
Frank Curto [8:48 PM]
But let me ask you guys this off tangent question … When Marty Brodeur played, was he KING?
Nicholas Durst [8:48 PM]
No way.
Frank Curto [8:48 PM]
Nick, we are definitely on the same page brother it must be the neighborhood.
Justin Birnbaum [8:48 PM]
I don’t think so because we’ve kind of all agreed the NHL breeds tier two stars and plus that was Jeter’s time.
Nicholas Durst [8:48 PM]
Staten Islanders know what they are talking about. Except for those crazy Jet/Yankee fans.
NEXT: Page 6
John DaSilva [8:49 PM]
Plus Jeter inherited from Messier.
Danny Small [8:49 PM]
One thing I miss about Craig Carton is when he would tell Boomer no one cared about hockey haha.
Frank Curto [8:49 PM]
True Nick.
Danny Small [8:49 PM]
Hockey just doesn’t move the needle.
John DaSilva [8:49 PM]
Messier was the exception.
Frank Curto [8:50 PM]
Messier was the definition of King.
Nicholas Durst [8:50 PM]
Messier, Leetch, Richter and Graves ran this town from ’94 through ’98.
John DaSilva [8:50 PM]
Dated supermodels, led Rangers to the Cup, made bold predictions, etc.
Frank Curto [8:50 PM]
Danny the ’94 team moved every needle. What a year that was Knicks and Rangers in the Finals.
The Guarantee!
Nicholas Durst [8:51 PM]
So let’s all give our personal rankings of who is King today.
Most would agree it is Francesa but let’s limit this to athletes.
Justin Birnbaum [8:52 PM]
Good idea Nicholas.
Since we’re coming to the end here.
Frank Curto [8:52 PM]
Judge.
Justin Birnbaum [8:52 PM]
Let’s wrap things up with our own rankings.
Nicholas Durst [8:52 PM]
1. Odell Beckham Jr.
2. Kristaps Porzingis
3. Aaron Judge
4. Henrik Lundqvist.
Danny Small [8:53 PM]
Judge > KP > Beckham
Justin Birnbaum [8:53 PM]
1. Aaron Judge
2. Kristaps Porzingis
3. Odell Beckham
4. Everyone Else
John DaSilva [8:53 PM]
Beginning of September I would have said Odell, KP, and then Judge. By end of this month, I think it will be KP, Judge, Odell.
Frank Curto [8:54 PM]
1. Judge 2. Lundqvist 3. Beckham 4. Porzingis
Nicholas Durst [8:54 PM]
For the record, I want to say I think you are all crazy for having the most popular football player in the world #3.
John DaSilva [8:54 PM]
If KP stays healthy, keeps producing, and the Knicks keep winning, He can take over this Winter.
Who made Carson Wentz #3?
Justin Birnbaum [8:55 PM]
Closing thoughts as we round it out here guys?
Nicholas Durst [8:56 PM]
Wentzlevania came to a crashing halt last year and will do so again.
John DaSilva [8:56 PM]
Injury to Odell hurts and I hope the time off will have him reflect and realize what needs to be done to help the Giants.
They need a leader and he can be it, but he has to mature.
Nicholas Durst [8:57 PM]
My final thought is that the King of NY has to be great on the field and captivate the city off of it.
Justin Birnbaum [8:57 PM]
For me, if Kristaps Porzingis successfully makes the Knicks relevant again, the city could be his. For Judge, the task is a little more difficult as he has to follow one dynasty with another. As for Odell, it looks like the Giants may be passing the torch soon so it’s tough to see the next few years for him as promising in terms of making a case for King.
John DaSilva [8:58 PM]
If Odell matures and becomes the leader, he will easily be the King of NY.
Frank Curto [8:59 PM]
We all have different interpretations of what a King is. I believe he is a player who excels on the field and is good off the field. With those different interpretations, we all have a different kind of athlete in mind.
Justin Birnbaum [8:59 PM]
Well said, Frank.
John DaSilva [8:59 PM]
I want Odell to be Jerry Rice, not Terrell Owens.
Frank Curto [9:00 PM]
Thank you. Now Hank is the only guy here with a crown in his logo lol.
Justin Birnbaum [9:00 PM]
Guys, I’m going to cut things off here. Thank you all for taking the time out to discuss.
Frank Curto [9:00 PM]
Good Job Justin.
John DaSilva [9:01 PM]
Thank you for having us do this.
Frank Curto [9:01 PM]
Thank you for the invite.
Nicholas Durst [9:01 PM]
Thanks. Good discussion Benny, Frank, John, Justin, Nicholas, Danny.
Frank Curto [9:01 PM]
now get back to work boys
Nicholas Durst [9:02 PM]
Tebow time all the time. Don’t forget.
Robby Sabo [1:59 a.m. ET while editing]
Nobody’s the King of NY. Time is needed. Beckham choked on the only big stage he was one (in Green Bay). Hank, while the most established, hasn’t yet won the big one (but is the most established despite his hockey playing ways). Judge had a monster year but needs at least two more years of this production to even have me serious about the guy. (Power-hitting guys in the postseason are often tricky at times.)
John Tavares is still the best player in New York.
In the past, Babe Ruth into Joe DiMaggio into Mickey Mantle and Frank Gifford into Joe Namath into the collective individuals of the Bronx Zoo and Mets crazies of the late 80s and then eventually into Derek Jeter. That’s what it looks like historically. There’s no chance I’m giving Matt Harvey or OBJ or Judge that title after such short, championship-less eras.
Kristaps Porzingis is the obvious guy moving forward. Not now, but eventually. He’s everything you want in an individual leading a franchise in New York.
Nobody now, and it’s not even close KP moving forward.