For the first time in 53 years, the New York Knicks are the NBA World Champions! This magical playoff run captivated the hearts of millions of otherwise jaded New Yorkers in a way that only sports can.

If you aren’t in New York or if your algorithm isn’t feeding you the videos, then it’s hard to describe how celebratory the ambient mood is on the ground—it’s legitimately emotional and cathartic. Oftentimes, New Yorkers are unfairly plagued with a reputation of being angry and mean, and that’s mainly because we are all about our business. We have hectic, busy lives and it costs a lot of money to do anything, so heads are down… until someone asks you for directions to MSG.

This is the magic of team sports, specifically those with roots in cities. It’s difficult for track and field to have this sort of impact on a community as a rootless, individual sport. And without generations worth of trauma fueled by front office mismanagement, there isn’t as much passed down frustration. The closest experience would be when a smaller nation wins an Olympic medal and we see the pride beaming through its citizens at watch parties and parades.

For better or worse, the United States will never share that sentiment from athletics.

That doesn’t mean we can’t dream though, right? In addition to this Knicks team’s ability to win, there was a strong fan connection with the individuals for who they are, how they got there, and the ways they carried themselves. Even my editor, who is a diehard Spurs fan, admitted that it was an extremely likable group of guys the Knicks trotted out each night. So in that spirit, here is a fun thought exercise—who are the Team USA equivalents of this Knicks core?

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden as Jalen Brunson

The captain’s career has been defined by critics saying, “He is really good, but…” and he continues to prove them right—he’s really good! But no “but” is needed anymore. When MJW graduated from Coastal Carolina, despite her accolades, she was still viewed as an underdog. But as they say, “Everyone is better than Jalen Brunson until it’s time to be better than Jalen Brunson.” So even though the smaller, scrappier player will reliably be dismissed, the scoreboard doesn’t lie. These two love the pressure and proving doubters wrong. And although they started their careers in the shadows of teammates (Dončić in Bruson’s case and Sha’Carri Richardson in Jefferson-Wooden’s), they have made themselves unignorable into the spotlight.

Kenny Bednarek as OG Anunoby

These two kindred spirits are stoic assassins. They let their counterparts do the majority of the talking, but their greatness is measured by consistency and range. When OG laid down one of the defining plays in New York sports history with his game-winning tip in, his demeanor remained business as usual. And every time Bednarek wins another global medal, we’re lucky if we even see him smirk. Out of college, neither athlete was heralded as the next chosen one. But fortunately, their raw talent and potential were highlighted and trusted to be developed. OG is the bedrock structure of the Knicks—he’s dependable and doesn’t turn the ball over! And Bednarek wins because he doesn’t make mistakes (like running above 20 seconds for 200m, ever).

TeeTee Terry as Mikal Bridges

Charisma and joy! That’s what this pair emanates into the world both on and off the court/track. They’re culture carriers who are well-liked by teammates and competitors alike. The way every championship contender needs a specialist who can come in and provide that 3 and D, that’s what TeeTee brings to Team USA, particularly on the second leg of a 4x100. Bridges and Terry are known for their durability and steady hands. And for the sake of this comparison, let's just assume TeeTee also loves Coldplay and Chipotle!

Rai Benjamin as Karl Anthony Towns

Doha, Tokyo, Eugene, Budapest… They said Rai Benjamin couldn’t win the big one, and he proved them quite wrong! He’d have been a first pick out of the NCAA because his abilities were no secret, though the pressure came with a burden of expectations. Both Rai and KAT are masters of technical precision, whether as a 7-footer capable of swishing threes or as a buttery-smooth world-beater gliding through the 13-steps between hurdles. And since both grew up just outside of New York City, they have something in common: they’ve always been Knicks fans.

Vernon Norwood as Josh Hart

The heartbeat and the backbone of two championship squads and the ultimate team guys. Hart is the—excuse the pun—heart of the Knicks, the glue whose contributions aren’t always noted in the stat sheet. That extends from the jokes and pranks to crashing the boards and chasing loose balls. Norwood is no different: a fierce competitor once the gun goes off, but all smiles before and after. He earned 12 global medals in the 4x400 by being willing to step up and do the dirty work, like actually run the prelims. Whatever coach needs, this pair will volunteer, and they’ll bring their teammates with them.

Cooper Teare as Tyler Kolek

This just makes a lot of sense. BBQ chicken.

Tonja Buford-Bailey as Mike Brown

Some coaches rule with an iron fist—that’s not Mike Brown nor is it Tonja Buford-Bailey. They’re players’ coaches, and their athletes trust them with a cult-like authority for it. The mindset is that their athletes are individuals and need to be treated as such: there is no rigid system. The way Brown used the full depth of his roster to adjust to offensive schemes and to keep defenses on their toes is reminiscent of Buford-Bailey’s relay prowess. By leaning into an athlete’s strengths, rather than molding them into something different, these two great leaders have let the dogs out.

Max Siegel as James Dolan

Two rich guys that have heard their fair share of feedback from fans over the years. But trophies and medals have a way of smoothing things over! Unsure if the CEO of USATF pulled a Dolan and asked the athletes to abstain from sex for 10 weeks leading into championships though…

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