Earlier this month, the Knicks pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns from Minnesota. The Knicks were in a decent place in the past season but the addition of KAT with other key players gives fans hope for the first championship in decades. Even Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal love what this trade could mean for New York, but their fellow Inside Guy is not counting on instant results.

Ahead of ‘Inside the NBA’ season opener as the regular season began, Kenny “The Jet” Smith spoke to USA Today about what’s in store for the New York Knicks. Like many others, he does believe that it’s a “great trade for the Knicks.” They also pose the biggest threat to the Boston Celtics’ campaign for back-to-back titles. That being said, when Kenny had to pick between the Celtics and Knicks in the finals, he went with the reigning champs. “I’m saying the Celtics are the favorites because what the Knicks don’t have is experience together.”

Kenny isn’t wrong when he says that the newly built squad has to adapt to each other. Last year they had Donte DiVincenzo but with him gone to the Timberwolves, even Dream Team legend, Chris Mullin said elsewhere the Knicks would have to get used to his absence. Mullin said that Mikal Bridges would have to fill DiVincenzo’s absence. Similarly, Kenny feels the Knicks aren’t done building.

“It’s very difficult in one year to like get there… it’s usually the second year. So I would say the Celtics have the advantage,” the Houston Rockets legend said. He also gave the Philadelphia 76ers decent odds but sees the Knicks going as far as the Eastern Conference Finals. The Jet doesn’t see the Knicks becoming the 2025 champions but he sees them reclaiming a title under Karl-Anthony Towns.

Kenny Smith’s still rooting for the Knicks

The last time the Knicks won a championship was in 1973. Kenny Smith was not in the league then. He grew up in NYC and his hometown team is close to him. He does think the Larry O’Brien Trophy is overdue a stop in New York and Towns could fulfill that. While Charles Barkley aggressively rooted for ‘his Sixers last season, Kenny hedged his bets according to what he saw.

He envisioned the Celtics as the title contenders early on but felt the Knicks were “undersized.” He does think 7-foot KAT brings that now. The combination of KAT with Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, according to Kenny, makes them definite playoff contenders. He believes the KAT-led Knicks are championship contenders too, but maybe next season. And who knows if Kenny will be on TV to see that happen.

Inside the NBA is on a possible final run after the NBA ended its media partnership with TNT. Except for Charles Barkley, the other Inside Guys are yet to announce their future plans after the 2025 season.