New York Knicks legend John Starks, the same man who brought you “The Dunk,” is dropping predictions about the 2019-20 season.
The very same man who brought you “The Dunk,” and who Q-Tip and the Beastie Boys mentioned in “Get It Together,” is now bringing us feel-good vibes about the New York Knicks 2019-20 NBA season.
The very same Knickerbockers who missed out on every major free agent this past summer aren’t looked at as an NBA threat. Twenty to 25 wins are currently being tossed around as the common projection this coming season.
Don’t explain that nonsense to John Starks.
Starks firmly believes this may be the year for his beloved NBA franchise. He explained his thought process while promoting the new MSG All Access Tour at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, per Howie Kussoy of the New York Post.
“It doesn’t change anything. It’s all about what you have in-house and I think we have a very solid team,” Starks said of the Brooklyn Nets’ big-time signings. “The Nets did well last year in making it to the playoffs. This year, I think it’s gonna be our year. As we continue to improve and get on that winning track, we’re gonna be as enticing as any NBA team out there. I’m not concerned about what the Nets are doing. All I’m concerned about is what we’re doing over here and we’re moving in the right direction.”
Believe it, No. 3 says.
Starks, 54, remains one of the most beloved Knicks players of all-time. The lunchpail-type who wore not only his, but the entire city’s hard-working vibe on his sleeve, enjoyed a memorable eight-season career at the Garden.
In 602 games, Starks averaged 14.1 points, 4.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting .423 from the floor. His efforts earned him an NBA All-Star nod during the Knicks classic 1994 season that saw them finish one game shy of a title.
“Be very supportive of this team because I think this team is going to shock the world,” said Starks, the Knicks’ alumni relations and fan development adviser. “You hear reports that they’re gonna [only] win so many games, but it’s really up to them, what they’re gonna do. … I’m getting goose bumps right now. I’m truly excited about this season.”
This mindset is exactly why the city fell in love with Starks. His never-say-die attitude mixed with ultra-competitiveness brought out the best in an overachieving squad from 1990 through 1998.
The 2019-20 New York Knicks open the season Oct. 23 when they take on the San Antonio Spurs.
