Brunson & KAT to Open Preseason with 'Regular Starting Lineup'?

NEW YORK - Our Knicks Rumor & Roster Tracker takes you along for the ride with Jalen Brunson and a New York team that has its best shot at Finals contention in decades. Follow along!

OCT 6 STARTING! Tom Thibodeau has revealed the plan for New York Knicks' preseason opener vs. Charlotte Hornets (5 p.m. ET).

The "tentative plan'' is for the "regular starting lineup'' to get some work. That starts with Jalen Brunson, of course. But assuming good health, it can also included Karl-Anthony Towns, the big man who just arrived "home'' following the recent trade.

Gone from last year are Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle and Isaiah Hartenstein, so a new look is coming. ... surely featuring another trade get in Mikal Bridges.

We'll have eyes on the game and updates throughout the day and night!

SEPT 19 SMITH ON TRUMP Stephen A. Smith is in part well-known for his fandom of the New York Knicks. But is the ESPN shock-jock analyst also a fan of former president Donald Trump?

It has been Smith's position that Trump is found to be "relatable ... by Black folks.''

And now he's saying much the same thing as he appeared on "Who's Talking to Chris Wallace ," explaining why he thinks Trump does well with Black voters and Black men in particular.

“I think that it’s a combination of the disgust and the absence of trust that an abundance of people, not just Black males, but an abundance of people in America have with Capitol Hill,” Smith told Wallace. “And that’s what I keep telling folks. I’ve been telling folks this for the longest time. Listen, when it comes to Donald Trump, he speaks a lot of folks’ language.''

SEPT. 18 FORMER BIG EAST STAR PLAYS NICE WITH VILLANOVA ALUM College rivalries run deep, at least they did before the portal days of NCAA sports. UConn was an NCAA Tournament mainstay when the Big East ran rampant in NCAA basketball. Rudy Gay played two seasons at UConn, for the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons. College rivalries aside, Gay gave "Villanova" Knicks props.

During an interview with Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, Gay talked about the unique situation regarding the New York Knicks.

“You have to be comfortable with whoever you play with. It’s not usual that you get that kind of opportunity to be able to play with your college teammates in the league and so many of them," Gay said . "But, you know, they were successful in college. Hopefully, they can be successful in the league.”

The Knicks' current situation is genuinely unique, and chemistry players play a crucial role in winning at the highest levels. Although it's yet to be seen, the synergy from last season's Knicks has the potential to ascend the talent of this roster in NBA Finals contention.

Inline

SEPT. 18 PHILADELPHIA MAYOR SAVES 76ERS FROM DEPARTURE The 100th mayor of Philadelphia, Mayor Cherelle Parker, might as well be Superwoman to the 76ers' fans following her latest public service announcement: "My administration has reached an agreement with the Philadelphia 76ers for an arena in Center City."

Recent reports suggested the city of Philadelphia struggled to find a contract for a new building when the current lease expires in 2031. Furthermore, New Jersey was a threat to take the 76ers franchise from Philadelphia. However, the $1.3 billion private investment saved the day in Philadelphia.

While a New Jersey 76ers vs. New York Knicks rivalry rings a bell, nothing is like the Liberty Bell.