So when the team struggles, the ESPN broadcast personality makes his opinions known. But following the Knicks' NBA championship title this past season, Smith doesn't have anything to complain about. In fact, during Tuesday morning's episode of "First Take" on ESPN, Smith promised to not say anything negative about the Knicks throughout the entire 2026-27 NBA season.
"I will not say a negative word about my New York Knicks. They erased a 53-year [championship] drought. They can do no wrong this year, to me," Smith said.
"They are the reigning, defending NBA champions until further notice, and they will be treated like that on this show by yours truly. "You will be shocked by how kind I am to the New York Knicks." The Knicks will begin their 2026-27 NBA regular-season campaign with a matchup against LeBron James and the new-look Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 20. We'll see if Smith keeps his promise once the Knicks face their first adversity this coming NBA season.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
