Rick Pitino Praises Knicks’ Improvements

Rick Pitino is optimistic about the Knicks this season.

While appearing on the “Roommates Show” podcast, which is hosted by Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, the St. John’s head coach expressed that the Knicks are “much better” than last year.

“I genuinely believe you all have what it takes to achieve great things this year,” Pitino shared during his conversation with Brunson and co-host Matt Hillman. “In my view, this team is significantly stronger than last year’s.”

Pitino emphasized that his assessment isn’t influenced by any coaching changes this offseason. He noted that if Karl-Anthony Towns can remain healthy, the Knicks have all the solutions they need.

“This is not about coaching or anything else. I truly think you are the better team,” he mentioned. “If the key players can stay fit, I believe we’ll find all the answers.”

Having been part of the Knicks’ coaching staff as an assistant from 1983 to 1985 and then as head coach from 1987 to 1989, Pitino reflected on how this year’s team differs from his era, especially regarding their three-point shooting.

“We were known as the Bombinos,” he joked, referencing the “Bomb Squad” Knicks of the late ’80s. “We averaged 117.8 points per game and played a lot of press… Offensively, we took plenty of threes. You are a better offensive team than we were, but then again, we had Patrick [Ewing].”

“Defensively, we were quite good, but the game has evolved since then,” he added.

As the NBA season moves forward, the Knicks currently hold third place in the Eastern Conference, with a record of 9-5, trailing the Pistons and Raptors.

They recently secured a narrow victory over the Mavericks, winning 113-111. The Mavericks are at the bottom of the Western Conference.

In the closing moments of the game, it looked like Dallas guard Brandon Williams might tie it up. However, Landry Shamet of the Knicks managed to knock the basket away just in time.

Knicks coach Mike Brown commented post-game, citing the referee’s decision as commendable. “That was a hook. Many might overlook that call in such a crunch, but it was the right one,” he expressed. “Shamet’s play was clear, and I’m glad the referee made the right call.”