Watch: Ben Stiller booed by Knicks fans for calling LeBron James & Kevin Durant 'dream players'
NBA fans aren't shy about wanting superstar free agents to bring their team championship hopes. This is definitely true for Knicks fans. Over the years, New York has been linked to several big market players, which Ben Stiller referred to during an appearance at the Fanatics Fest. However, when the actor mentioned LeBron James and Kevin Durant, numerous fans erupted in boos.
Stiller's comments were shared by the New York Post and uploaded on X. User New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) also reshared it on the platform:
"For so long the Knicks have been without an identity," Stiller said, "and for many years ... we've been waiting for this special player ... like LeBron or Kevin [Durant]. ... And then the way this has happened — really starting with Julius Randle."
The actor knew a major player was needed to shift the franchise's fortunes. He highlighted how Julius Randle's arrival started this shift before Jalen Brunson's arrival.
With the team reaching the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, fans are optimistic about its trajectory. Their excitement is only increased by the team's acquisition of Mikal Bridges in the offseason.
Since fans have grown to love their current Knicks players, stars who decided not to join the team have become old news.
Knicks Josh Hart claims the Boston Celtics are now the hunted
Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics were always the hunters, constantly knocking on the door of an 18th championship. They accomplished that task this summer and now have an opportunity to defend it. However, Knicks guard Josh Hart might have something to say about that.
On the July 29th episode of the Roommates Show, Hart mirrored Jalen Brunson's stance that the Eastern Conference has become more competitive and will present Boston with no shortage of challenges.
"At the end of the day, everyone's chasing Boston," Hart said. "We could have went and signed Jokic, LeBron, KD ... you're still chasing Boston, they're the champs. You're trying to chase them, that's kind of what everyone in the East is doing ... Like JB said, it's going to be more competitive because a bunch of teams got better."
The two Eastern Conference teams didn't meet in the 2024 postseason, as the Indiana Pacers eliminated the Brunson-led squad in the semifinal round. However, with a revamped roster and increased expectations, New York is looking to chase Boston down.