sports
In defense of bandwagon fans
Did you like the Knicks before they were good? Do you follow soccer — oh sorry, football — more frequently than once every four years?
TL;DR
- The New York Knicks' recent playoff run attracted widespread attention due to the team's long championship drought and New York's status as a media capital.
- Despite a dominant 2026 playoff performance, including sweeping the Eastern Conference finals, commentators often downplayed the Knicks' success.
- The arrival of celebrities and new fans during the finals sparked debate, with some die-hard fans expressing resentment towards 'fair-weather' supporters.
- The article defends bandwagon fans, suggesting that the Knicks' long period of poor performance and the demands of modern life provide valid reasons for recent fan engagement.
- It concludes by advocating for the inclusion of new fans, likening the situation to embracing newcomers to the World Cup bandwagon, and suggesting that most serious fans appreciate broader interest.