“We see this as more harassment of the Knicks due to our opposition to certain NBA matters” In light of recent rumors, the New York Knicks have now come out to defend one of their own. It would have been a moment of pride for former NBA player and Jalen Brunson’s father Rick when he gained a leg up within the New York-based NBA franchise. After serving in the assistant coach role with the Knicks since 2022, the 52-year-old recently received a promotion, thanks to Johnnie Bryant leaving the franchise for a position with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, analysts are looking at the background behind the move with a microscopic view, which the Knicks do not appreciate.

Earlier today, reports emerged that the NBA is investigating Rick Brunson’s promotion to assistant head coach. In light of this, the New York Knicks ownership group, MSG Sports, put out a statement. In the same, they reportedly accused the NBA of harassment, stating “It’s offensive that anyone would claim Rick didn’t deserve the promotion, Rick has done a tremendous job and will continue to do so. We see this as more harassment of the Knicks due to our opposition to certain NBA matters.” In light of this move, the Knicks are even gaining the support of the public.

How are fans’ reactions to the NBA’s reported investigation of Rick Brunson and the Knicks?

One social media user wrote, “It never ends with this s**t. They harassing the organization.”

This is not the first time that the New York Knicks have been the subject of an investigation in the last few years. The league opened up an alleged tampering examination back in 2022 too. Ironically, the NBA conducted the move to determine whether something questionable went down in signing Jalen Brunson. By December 2022, four months after the investigation commenced, the NBA found the Knicks guilty of engaging in free agency discussions with the player before they were allowed to. As punishment, the league rescinded New York’s own second-round pick in the 2025 Draft.

Another social media user attempted to point out the hypocrisy on what the league officials choose to prioritize on. He wrote “Maybe the NBA should investigate the Lakers 55th pick and the contract they gave to that player.”

This was, of course, a reference to Bronny James. Despite being the son of one of the greatest players of the modern generation, the 20-year-old had a rough start to his NBA journey. In the 25 games he played for USC, the player only averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. Despite this, the team drafted him in the 2nd round of the 2024 NBA Draft.

Furthermore, Bronny was signed under the 4-year $7.89 million contract, with $4.4 million of it being placed in the guaranteed category. The 55 pick during the 2023 NBA Draft, Isaiah Wong, was signed under a 2-way contract worth $559,782. Therefore, while having a father-son duo play in the NBA is historical, the same didn’t satisfy many NBA enthusiasts. Few of them now take to the comments section.

Other social media users also attempted to tell the league to focus their priorities elsewhwere. This may have compelled one individual to write “Nba’s ratings are tanking, they should focus on that rather then this bu***hit.”

According to Front Office Sports, the opening week of the NBA’s new season saw double-digit percentage declines for primetime games on ESPN and TNT. The second week also reportedly did not display an improvement. Shaquille O’Neal placed the blame on everybody “running the same plays.”

Adam Silver provided his own critique to Shaq’s views. He stated “We’ve moved the 3-point line before back a little to make 3-point shooting more difficult. We could do that again. I’m not saying that’s on the table. This is a good opportunity this season, as we’re about to enter into three 11-year television deals, to step back and study the game a bit. Our game has never been more popular.” If NBA games are more popular, the ratings seem to indicate otherwise.

One individual highlighted his/her belief that was happening to the Knicks was certainly unfair. He/she wrote “What are they investigating?  The Knicks are not allowed to promote whichever assistant they want? I never heard that a team has to ask the commissioner permission when making their staff?”

NBA teams certainly do not need the permission of Adam Silver or other league officials, to promote coaches. However, according to reports, officials are investigating Rick Brunson’s promotion due to its timing. After all, the Knicks granted the assistant coach more responsibilities only months after they retained his son, Jalen Brunson. The point guard was given a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension. He was actually eligible for a five-year, $269.1 million extension by the next off-season. However, he took a pay cut, which provided some financial ease to the franchise. For NBA officials now, however, it seems as if the move was more calculative than generous.

“Adam silver’s nba” was all that one individual wrote when reacting to the Knicks investigation. There are no reports to indicate that the NBA commissioner directed the investigation out of any personal spite. Or other personal reasons. However, the people need someone to put a blame on. For many, that goes to Adam Silver.

Overall, the majority of reactions displayed unhappiness towards what was happening with Rick Brunson and the Knicks. As the days progress, more information will be provided on what the upcoming days could mean for the coach and the franchise as a whole.