As the New York Knicks stand one win away from their first NBA title in over five decades, the biggest question on the lips of fans and media alike isn't about X's and O's. It's about whether the team's most vocal supporter, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, deserves a championship ring.
On Monday's "First Take," Smith was asked directly by Michael Wilbon if the franchise would gift him a ring if they close out the series. His answer was emphatic: "I don't want one."
"I didn't earn it. Only Spike Lee deserves that, I don't deserve that," Stephen A. explained. "But I'm telling you this right now, I don't need one. I've been a Knick fan all my life, we waited 53 years, don't blow this."
Smith's humility comes as no surprise to those who've followed his career. The longtime Knicks fan has been a fixture at Madison Square Garden, but he's always maintained that his role is that of a fan, not a player or executive. His stance echoes the sentiment that a ring should be reserved for those who actually contributed to the championship run.
But Smith's attention quickly turned to a more controversial topic: President Donald Trump's decision to attend Game 3 in New York. Trump is set to become the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game, but his presence has created a logistical nightmare for a city and fanbase desperate for a title.
"This president has no business showing up in New York City. I am dead serious," Smith said. "It is selfish, it is narcissistic, it is ridiculous that he is coming to this game. I would say the same thing if it were [Barack] Obama, George W. [Bush], [Bill] Clinton… I don't give a damn if we went back to [Ronald] Reagan."
Smith didn't stop there. He jokingly threatened to blame the president if the Knicks lose. "If it causes the New York Knicks to lose tonight, I'm blaming him. I'm blaming the president of the United States! And damnit, I hope the GOP lose votes because of it if we lose tonight!"
The security concerns surrounding Trump's visit have already caused disruptions. The Secret Service scrapped a planned fan party outside MSG, and fans are fuming over what they call a "ridiculous" security wall erected at the arena. Many are also preparing to rain boos on the president during the game.
Meanwhile, Mayor Mamdani is hosting a rival watch party at Bryant Park, snubbing the president's visit entirely. The Trump effect has also tanked ticket prices as some fans choose to bail rather than deal with the heightened security and political circus.
Smith's comments reflect the broader frustration among Knicks faithful, who see Trump's presence as a distraction from what should be a pure celebration of basketball. For a fanbase that has waited 53 years for a championship, the last thing they want is a political sideshow.
As the Knicks prepare for tip-off at 8:30 PM ET on ABC, Smith's message is clear: he doesn't need a ring, but he desperately wants the team to win one. And if they don't, he's got a scapegoat ready.
