Stephen A. Smith Questions Knicks’ Championship Potential, Blames Jalen Brunson
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has expressed serious doubts about the New York Knicks’ ability to contend for a championship, placing a significant portion of the blame on point guard Jalen Brunson. Despite acknowledging the Knicks’ potential to defeat most teams in the Eastern Conference, Smith believes Brunson’s contract extension has hindered the team’s ability to build a championship-caliber roster.
“I think the New York Knicks can beat the Boston Celtics. I think the New York Knicks can beat the Cleveland Cavaliers. They damn sure can beat anyone else in the Eastern Conference,” Smith stated on ESPN. “It’s one thing for a team to beat you. It’s another thing for them to whip your ass. But you understand what stands out more? When they tell you you’re going to whip your ass beforehand,” he added about the Pistons.
Knicks vs. Pistons: A Recent History of Dominance
The Knicks and Detroit Pistons have developed a recent rivalry, with Detroit consistently proving to be a difficult matchup for New York. The Pistons have won six straight regular season games against the Knicks, building on a series of victories that began last season.
During the 2024-2025 season, the Knicks and Pistons met four times in the regular season and then again in a six-game playoff series. While the Knicks ultimately prevailed in the playoffs, winning the series 4-2, the Pistons provided a stern test. Prior to a December 7, 2024, matchup, the Knicks had enjoyed a 16-game winning streak against Detroit.
In the current 2025-2026 season, the Pistons have defeated the Knicks three times in decisive fashion. As of March 16, 2026, the Pistons hold the first seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 52-20, while the Knicks are close behind at 48-25, trailing the second-seeded Boston Celtics.
Brunson’s Contract and its Impact on Roster Construction
Smith’s criticism centers on Brunson’s four-year, $156.5 million contract extension signed in 2024. He argues that Brunson accepted a $113 million discount from his potential maximum earnings, a move that allowed the Knicks to trade for Mikal Bridges. However, Smith believes Bridges’ recent struggles – averaging just 6.5 points per game over his last six games and going scoreless against the Lakers on March 8 – demonstrate that the trade was a mistake.
“You can’t let your organization supply up that much to get a dude that’s gonna ultimately handicap you from building a roster that can compete for a championship,” Smith asserted. He fears that the financial commitment to Brunson and the subsequent trade for Bridges have limited the Knicks’ flexibility to add other key pieces needed for a championship run.
Are the Knicks in Trouble Against Detroit?
Smith is particularly concerned about the Knicks’ matchups against the Pistons, who have consistently outperformed them this season. He believes the Pistons’ confidence and recent success against New York pose a significant threat, especially in a potential playoff series.
“I don’t believe in the New York Knicks against the Detroit Pistons,” Smith stated. “I don’t believe in the New York Knicks against them, because I watched them whip the Knicks’ ass three times this year. In very very thorough, and embarrassing, and emphatic fashion. That’s my problem with the New York Knicks.”
While the Knicks are unlikely to face the Pistons in the first round of the playoffs, Smith warns that a potential later-round matchup could be disastrous, given Detroit’s psychological edge and recent dominance.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access.