Knicks Support Basketball's Grassroots

Rucker Park is where the true hoopers play. Legends have graced the caged court in the history of the Harlem basketball court. Gladiators of the concrete jungle battle on this stage, with New York citizens and tourists witnessing city legends and NBA stars play for pride. New York Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony and former Knickerbocker Jamal Crawford attended Rucker Park's Slam Sumemr Classic.

Along with the previously mentioned stars, the 90s Knicks cult favorites Allen Houston and John Starks sat in the bleachers to watch Anthony's son Kiyan and Dominique Wilkins' son Jacob play in the star-studded Harlem event.

Julius "Dr. J" Irving, Kevin Durant, and Kobe Bryant are some of the legendary NBA players who competed at the gritty Harlem park. Streetball is the grassroots of the NBA, which is why the game's legends and current NBA players need to support such events.

Rookie Tyler Kolek, prospect Duece McBride, and Jacob Toppin represented the current Knicks roster.

As NBA training camp nears, it's essential for the Knicks to bond in the few moments they get. After a busy weekend that included the Fantastic Fest, Anthony kept his name in the news, commenting on refusing to exchange his gold medals for a lone NBA championship ring and commenting on Jayson Tatum's Olympic performance, or lack thereof, during Team USA's gold medal run.

Although Jalen Brunson wasn't at the Rucker Park event, the Knicks' team captain was likely a phone call away from the attendees. New York aims to complete what it started last season as the Eastern Conference's two-seed.

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The Knicks' chemistry is shaping as the offseason progresses, as the younger players build relationships and learn from the franchise's legends.