Brown’s words on next season will stir the emotions in any Knicks fan

In sport, it’s one single emotion that keeps us coming back for more. Its mere existence in sport is incoherent with everything that happens on the field, court, or track. Winning is for the few, not the many, and if experienced, is only present for a fleeting moment before dread, fear, and anxiety take their place in the pit of one’s stomach.

Hope is the feeling in question: that ephemeral presence so unexplainable in the context of sport, where only one team wins. It’s hope that keeps us coming back.

And Mike Brown, the new head coach of the New York Knicks, has filled the entire fanbase with hope after speaking for the first time since his appointment.

“Nobody has any bigger expectations, first of all, than I do. I mean, my expectations are high,” Brown said. “But this is the Knicks. I talked about Madison Square Garden being iconic. You talk about our fans. I love and embrace the expectations that come along with it, so I’m looking forward to it.”

‘Our goal is to build a winning culture that produces championships’

On his predecessor, Brown showed huge respect before taking the question in his own direction: “First of all, Tom’s a tremendous coach and he is a friend of mine, but I don’t want to get to the past,” Brown said. “I’m just excited about the roster. I’m excited about the things that we’re going to put in place here and where we could go with the guys that we have.”

“Our goal, starting with Mr. Dolan to Leon to the players all the way down to the fans, is to build a sustainable, winning culture that produces championships. That’s why I’m here,” Brown said. “I’m fortunate to know what it takes to create that success: a lot of hard work, a high level of commitment, and a focus on today.”

The Knicks finished the regular season with a 50–32 record, securing the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Their season ended with a grueling six-game series against the eventual finalists, the Indiana Pacers, who ultimately showed they could find that extra level when it mattered most.

Related stories

NBA

The new NBA Summer League rule that changes how players shoot

NBA

Lakers star’s admission on trade: “it feels like somebody set it up”

But now, with Mike Brown at the helm, the single strongest emotion is back at Madison Square Gardens: hope.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.