Brunson Owns Broadway While Politicians Grab the Mic

And then there's Portnoy, who found a way to have problems with a championship parade, which honestly is on-brand. He was annoyed about banners on display during the title run that listed 'JONES 33' — Knicks legend Bobby Jones wore #1, and #33 is a retired number. 'I hate casuals,' he posted, because no moment is too celebratory for a proper pedant take. But that's Barstool house stuff. The bigger grievance Portnoy aired was about the politicians.

Dave Portnoy

@stoolpresidente

I don’t get why people are impressed by a guy who is good at reading other people’s speeches. He’s a professional actor. People slobbering all over Mandami. I get that politicians always try to make sports about them and use it to their advantage so I guess you can’t blame Mandami for hogging the spotlight. But dude couldn’t name 1 player besides Brunson when asked during a debate last year. Now he’s a super fan? I think it speaks to how inauthentic he is and how dumb people are who slurp it up. That’s just me though

Mamdani isn't the only politician who does this — every mayor, every council member, every candidate with a camera crew shows up to championship parades like they personally coached the team. Portnoy's point is blunter than most: the guy couldn't name a single Knick besides Brunson during a debate last year, and now he's soaking up the crowd on Broadway. You can decide whether that's authentic fandom or the most transparent thing in American politics. Portnoy decided. Either way, Brunson doesn't care. He had the trophy. The city had its parade. The politicians can fight over the photo ops — the Knicks already got the ring.