NYC Mayor Mamdani’s passionate speech about the Knicks journey to the championship.
Fuck Dolan
Dolan in his speech a few mins later stuttered through trying to sub him with something like “im not gonna list this and that in New York history because real Knicks fans already know all that” and then held for applause that didn’t come, it was extremely awkward
Thankfully it means he kept it brief. Knew deep down nobody wants to hear shit from him
He’s such a fucking bum
So fucking pathetic. And his son came up to get a key from Mamdani right after him, like who the f are you even
I’m supposed to get another championship when this is my male heir? Look at him
bro looked like a roided baby
Believe me. Myself and the other Knick fans who’ve had to deal with years of crap is largely due to Dolan being foolish and/or scummy. He only got out of the way a few years ago, but until then, he always meddled and made the organization look like shit repeatedly.
Dolan used to be a foolish scummy disgrace. He still is, but he used to, too.
Total charisma black hole and energy suck I hate that he’s obligated to be part of this
almost as bad as the random city official who called our king jaylen brown wtf 😂 get these clowns offstage
Stunned and thankful the NYPD mafia didn’t force Tisch in there too
Tbf Jumaane is a big Knicks fan, I think he just got caught up after talking about Mike Brown so combined them to make Jalen Brown
Yeah, before all of it, he straight up said “Look, I dont need your vote”. Just completely unnecessary. I bet it was because Mamdani mentioned Oakley.
It’s more than likely that Dolan doesn’t like someone who will make him slightly less rich
what’s the backstory with Oakley
Dolan hates him
Happened like 10 years ago. He had made some public criticisms of Dolan’s ownership. Oakley went to a game where Dolan claims Oakley was harassing him, so Dolan had him escorted out by security. Oakley winds up fighting with security and getting arrested, charged, and banned from the arena. Both still refuse to make up with each other.
Reposting because the original comment got nuked for not using a NP link and it’s taking me a few tries to fix it.
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Here’s a old NYTimes Article that was written when it happened.
I’ve seen a lot of reddit comments saying fuck Oakley for starting shit and “assaulting” security guards but those comments always feel like it’s coming from Dolan’s PR propaganda machine.
I’m biased but I trust Oakley WAY more than Dolan. Dolan is also known to hold grudges to anyone who “opposes” him the slightest.
Here’s a old ESPN article on Dolan/MSG banning fans for the smallest things (IE wearing a “Ban Dolan” shirt). He also bans all lawyers from law firms from MSG and his other arenas/properties if the firm are involved in a case against MSG. (even when the lawyers are not involved in the lawsuit but they just work for the firm)
A recent article from Wired about how Dolan has crazy AI face recognition technology all over his arenas.
It actually has a good blurb from Oakley in the article:
Oakley was one of the few people willing to talk on the record. Years ago, he claims, he was attending a game at MSG with his friend Anthony McNair. His former Knicks teammate, Hall-of-Famer Patrick Ewing, was the associate head coach on the opposing squad, and sought out Oakley before tip-off. The pair embraced, chatted briefly, and made plans to talk at the game’s conclusion. Oakley and McNair said they were soon approached by security, who informed Oakley he wasn’t allowed to stray from his seat or venture into areas where fans are restricted. After the final buzzer, Oakley met Ewing alone near the visitors’ locker room. There, according to Oakley, Ewing warned him about talking because listening devices were everywhere. “Don’t talk too loud,” Oakley said Ewing told him. “This place is supposed to be mic’d up.” (Ewing, now a basketball ambassador for the Knicks, did not comment on this reporting.) Oakley wasn’t aware, but according to another MSG security source there were discussions about tracking Oakley, even as he traveled hundreds of miles away. “They wanted to have us doing covert surveillance operations on him,” the source says, referring to Oakley, “just to see where he was at, what he was doing at the time, to try to dig up something to use.” As a series of court cases would later allege, the Garden security’s staff viewed the surveillance of perceived enemies as a normal part of doing business.
Oakley was one of the few people willing to talk on the record. Years ago, he claims, he was attending a game at MSG with his friend Anthony McNair. His former Knicks teammate, Hall-of-Famer Patrick Ewing, was the associate head coach on the opposing squad, and sought out Oakley before tip-off. The pair embraced, chatted briefly, and made plans to talk at the game’s conclusion. Oakley and McNair said they were soon approached by security, who informed Oakley he wasn’t allowed to stray from his seat or venture into areas where fans are restricted. After the final buzzer, Oakley met Ewing alone near the visitors’ locker room. There, according to Oakley, Ewing warned him about talking because listening devices were everywhere. “Don’t talk too loud,” Oakley said Ewing told him. “This place is supposed to be mic’d up.” (Ewing, now a basketball ambassador for the Knicks, did not comment on this reporting.)
Oakley wasn’t aware, but according to another MSG security source there were discussions about tracking Oakley, even as he traveled hundreds of miles away. “They wanted to have us doing covert surveillance operations on him,” the source says, referring to Oakley, “just to see where he was at, what he was doing at the time, to try to dig up something to use.” As a series of court cases would later allege, the Garden security’s staff viewed the surveillance of perceived enemies as a normal part of doing business.
Here’s an example propaganda comments that I’m talking about:
Thread on Oakley from a few days ago
Oakley has been a clown for years now. Trying to peddle his book or whatever. The guy had a meltdown and tried to strangle a security guard rather than leaving calmly.
This is the video when he was kicked out/banned from MSG He shoves a security guard twice (which he shouldn’t have done). People are revising history to say he fucking strangled a security guard lol.
Billionaires are so insulated they have no idea what reality is like
Dumb fuck caused the history that Zohran referenced as our dark times that we had to suffer
Imagine being the owner of a team that finally brings a championship to a team and a city that’s been waiting for half a century and the fans still hate your dumb ass. Good work NYC.
Dolan must be fuming
He looked checked out during the whole speech
Just like his orange dick daddy
It’s okay. He’ll just go have his circle jerk session with trump
The complete opposite of a public speaker that Mamdani is. More similar to his buddy in the White House.
Dolan did not want to touch Mamdani when he got the Key. Lol.
Crazy how bitter this guy is, even at a time like this. Lol he even said “I don’t need your votes” in attempt to throw shade on Mamdani’s speech
And he’s lucky he doesn’t, because if there was a way to vote him out of his position, everyone including him knows he’d be shitcanned ASAP. That’s why he’s bitter AF
His kid didn’t either. Mamdani big-dogged them both.
the guy received little to no applause lmao
people still hate you ya bum
Epstein island motherfucker
“Guys, I’m gonna try to rehabilitate my image starting today. Make sure everyone refers to me as Jim from now on ok?”
Fuck Jim Dolan.
“daddy gave me a team that I ruined for decades”
Bitch has his head down like he’ll get in trouble for being caught on camera with Mamdani
Obama is probably the only other politician I would trust to give this good of a basketball related speech.
Mamdani gave credit to a lot of Knicks history.
Bro shouted out Nate Robinson’s block on Yao and Ronaldo Balkman. Iconic.
And Langston Galloway
And Toney Douglas
And the $15 Starbury’s I got at Steve & Barry’s
and Lance Thomas
Imagine that, a mayor who seems like he’s a regular ass person who actually likes the city he serves.
Our former mayor is an Albanian citizen now. Mamdani really saved us from the most corrupt clown show imaginable
Bro that has to be theee most random fun fact about Adams lmfao. Also the whole thing about not mentioning Armenian genocide for free flights on Turkish airlines. What a bozo
I wish he was allowed to run for president :(
If you think the constitution stops him from running, the current guy’s shown it’s just words on a page.
This made me laugh and then made me sad
ted cruz was born in calgary and that never stopped him from running or conservative media from playing along
His mother was a US citizen when he was born. Neither of Mamdani’s parents were US citizens when he was born.
Well unfortunately Cruz was born to a US ctizen parent, which makes him eligible for the presidency.
Mamdani’s mom did not become a US citizen until he was 15.
If Trump goes for a third term then fuck it why not? At that point its not like the constitution matters anymore anyway
If Trump goes for a 3rd term he’s facing Obama lol
The real NBA Finals
Need the Mamdani amendment
Bro mentioned my GOAT Toney Douglas breaking the 3 point record he really a ball knower 😭😭
I’ll never forget when LeBron said everyone should switch from 23 out of respect for MJ. They ask Toney Douglas and he’s like “nah im wearing it”
The cadence of his speech is *very* Obama-like
For sure, he’s the go to guy you want to mimic. Although Mamdani has his own vibe which makes it less immediately obvious, unlike say Josh Shapiro who is way way too close to outright mimicry.
Mamdani does it better than Obama. He can speak like he does without the filler “uh” and “um”. Obama just has a better sounding voice.
Obama’s ums are kinda iconic though, but agreed generally speaking it’s better to use less filler words
come on, we can’t hate on Obama’s public speaking voice! Obama was very calculated where Mamdani comes off as he doesn’t give af and is fully authentic. kids of different generation, but there’s no Mamdani and the way he speaks without Barry O paving the way
- an American desi growing up in the same era as Mamdani
He mentioned Langston Galloway lmao. That’s awesome.
This man truly knows ball. Didn’t look down once while he was rattling off Knick legends + the Toney Douglases
Those little windows in front are teleprompters. They have his speech on there. You can’t see them, but he can. He may know a lot of ball, but his speech writers and researchers made sure it sounded like he knew it all.
He even gave shout-outs to the Knicks from the dark ages!
Republicans thanking God every day this guy wasn’t born in the US and can’t run for president.
We need to find someone that was born here and has Mamdani’s amazing charisma and energy to run for president against the GOP.
Her name’s AOC
people hate but you want new york credibility and charisma she is it. She is much more a political fighter than Mamdani’s constant positivity and enthusiasm, which is partially by necessity being in the House vs a Mayor
okayyyyyyy i was with you until the “much more a political fighter”
I LOVE AOC – can’t capitalize LOVE enough here. But she’s been preparing herself for the national audience over the last few years and this has made her a bit more calculated, esp with those she fights for or endorses. She isn’t a die hard for DSA – which, idk about your political leanings, but is the origin story for both Mamdani and AOC. Granted AOC is a veteran by now and Mamdani is still a newcomer, but she’s been very careful about the fights she chooses to pick and is also constantly focused on not alienating leaders in NY – like chuckie or her colleagues who don’t always see eye to eye. Meanwhile, Mamdani is unapologetically DSA and nothing else. The only time I ever saw Mamdani not choose a political fight is when he asked Osse not to run against Hakeem Jeffries.
So not sure what your definition of “fighter” is - but i’d argue against it.
She’s committed to results. I suspects she avoids fights that will diminish the returns she’s able to achieve.
Exactly, I mean we have to consider the fact AOC is 1⁄435 while Mamdani is 1⁄1. Zohran has much more unilateral power which makes it much easier to be unapologetically DSM.
I think by any definition AOC is a fighter.
Despite what Reddit leftists stuck in their political bubble may think AOC is dead in the water outside of pockets of large coastal cities.
His name is James Talarico.
I like him but Mamdani is on an entirely different universe when it comes to charisma
I think too much charisma can actually backfire post Obama on the national stage(red states wont like it). The racists and gop (redundant , i know) of the world are on the lookout for these forces. I think talarico has a great amount of charisma for the national stage. Above Clinton but below obama.
He’s more useful of getting the Texas senate seat than running for President.
I like the guy, but Talarico does not have a single ounce of Mamdani’s charm and charisma. C’mon now
James Talarico could benefit from getting that low taper fade though I’m ngl
Ehhhh. I’m a Texan who really likes talarico, but he’s not really charismatic. His “thing” is empathy and kindness, which is great! But he doesn’t energize like Mamdani does.
Talarico is calming and nice, like a breath of fresh air in Texan politics. Mamdani is energizing and motivating, like a storm of optimism.
Just ignore the rules what even matter at this point
Mamdani might win in the most progressive city in the country against a sex pest, but there is zero chance he could win in the swing states that decide American elections. Way too far to the left.
Bernie couldn’t even get through a primary and he was arguably less left wing.
Swing states hate balanced budgets and universal child care
They sure vote like they do.
He couldn’t get through the primary because his own party was sabotaging him.
Americans are incredibly stupid. All they need is a guy with a shred of charisma who they think understands them. Mamdani has that
Actual policy is irrelevant. Trump won on the literal dumbest policy proposals just because he got enough people to think he cared about them
Lol the Dolans didnt want to get their picture taken with him when he was handing out the keys.
Shows they’re not really media savvy at all. At least he acknowledges he’d be terrible at politics. Trump would be soaking this up.
Trump loves Mamdani lmao. He bragged about meeting with him all the time after he won.
Trump likes charismatic people. No matter how hard Dolan gargles Trump’s balls, he can’t help that he’s a charisma black hole.
I imagine Mamdani blew some smoke up his ass about what a great job he was doing and gave him some tacky gift and Trump was immediately like, “see, this guy gets it”.
Mamdani is 100% familiar with dealing with narcissists. He also doesn’t back down when Trump pushes on him, but isn’t aggressive back. Trump likes people who do that - if you push back and fight him or drag him, you’ll get his wrath. If you’re a pushover he won’t respect you.
He also is drawn to popular and charismatic people since he wants to be in that light himself, like a moth to a flame.
Mamdani brought a fake NY Daily News headline to show Trump how awesome, special, and well liked he is in New York.
Dude had a plan to blow all the smoke up Trump’s ass, and it worked unsurprisingly.
Kind of funny because Trump likes Zohran himself lol
Mamdani is a (charismatic, good-looking) face to his heel, or a heel to his face. It’s the exact sort of wrestling storyline his Alzheimered up pea brain can still process, bless his heart.
On top of that, he basically spends every minute of his life surrounded by ghouls, cold hearted people that being nothing but terrible energy. And to be clear that’s what he wants his admin to be, he chose those people.
But it’s also clear how how much more he likes being around attractive, charismatic people. He knows his people are ghouls, but he doesn’t see himself that way, he sees himself as a hero using tools for power, and in his decaying mind he thinks he’s more similar to Zohran. He feels like one of the popular kids in school wants to hang out with him, and in his delusional mind he sees himself as the same type of charismatic leader and person that mamdani is.
He can’t avoid his desperate need to be liked and admired, and the energy that Zohran brings in person makes him feel like he is, and he values that type of “approval” waaaaaay more from him than from some ghoul that works for him
Unfortunately Trump does have a certain brand of carnie/ conman charisma that appeals to a lot of people. And he can also be pretty funny when he insults others.
I don’t think it’s unfair to say Trump has more charisma than every other big name currently in Republican leadership, which is how he’s completely taken over the party and how he has a cult following even in other countries.
Trump loves a charismatic good looking winner and that’s what Zohran is. Also Trump is a New Yorker who I think does in fact like NY. Can’t help himself. Very funny when you see him talk about Zohran the first couple of times they met, and compare that to say when he talks about one of his own sons lol.
Zohran also plays the game well and told Trump what he wanted to hear in their white house meeting. We all know Trump is easily influenced
He does/says whatever the last person that gave him a compliment told him to do or say
Head down lol
Linsanity got a huge ovation lol
Cuz it was awesome
He’s still just an incredibly likeable dude over a decade later.
100%, I’m glad he got a ring.
take me back. That and this run have been the most euphoric runs in my sports rooting history.
Before this Championship, Linsanity was the single biggest moment the Knicks have had in the 2000’s
No wonder Melo don’t like him, in a few weeks Linsanity made people gloss over the years Carmelo was on the team.
Mr. All Ass No Pass didn’t like bring upstaged at all haha
Him shouting out Linsanity and then immediately him doing the Melo three celebration was iconic
Linsanity felt like WWE. People had signs going to the garden.
Go on Mark Levine, speak a little Spanish for em
Go on Derek!
shit you killed a muthafucka on camera
The least you could do is speak a lil Chinese
We aint gonna hear your side of the story, first thing we gonna do is get him ordained.
My CLI-ENT!
Your honor I’d like to psyche that from the record
we are going into that courtroom and he will be a man of the frock!
“I mean shit you killed a mothafucka”
NYC is lucky to have him
Mamdani walked out to New York by Ja Rule and then turned around and gave a speech like he was Winston Churchill lmao. He really is for the people and a perfect example why we need younger and relatable representatives
man that was an electric speech, perfect for the moment. Mamdani could be dictator of the world just based on oratory skills lmao
Old ppl should not run or remain in office
What do you think the chances are of Mamdani being initiated into the Wu Tang Clan?
Massive respect for him bringing up Stephen Marbury selling affordable shoes to the non-rich
And shouting out Raymond Felton on the eve of Felton Friday
He’s really a top notch politician. Found a way to work in his political messaging of affordability.
One of the funniest things during his mayoral campaign was watching reporters question him about various other distracting issues and watching him manage to turn it effectively into an answer about affordability every single time without it seeming shoehorned in. One track mind for that in a good way.
Starburys were my first basketball shoe, bought a pair for like 11 or 12 bucks.
This clip doesn’t even include some of his best lines. The .4 percent bit, and what was really great was the line about too much of the time when NY comes together it’s because of adversity or tragedy, but they were able to today because of pure joy. Bar right there.
The part about coming together really stood out to me. Genuinely phenomenal speech
It’s scary how close we were to having that sex pest Cuomo as mayor instead of Mamdani.
It ain’t luck. There are probably politicians like this in lots of places, or at least ones vaguely close.
The people in NY voted for him and he won.
I don’t think that’s true. I’m sure there are politicians that share his views, but there aren’t politicians with his charisma.
Incredible piece of public speaking
Impeccable pacing and enunciation. This guy Toastmasters.
NYC really lucked in to having this guy as Mayor on their championship. I can’t imagine how terrible a speech would have been from Cuomo or Deblasio.
He’ll be our governor and/or senator one of these days. Unless he totally fucks it up, he’s gonna be the first mayor of NYC to break through after his term is up.
The Eric Adams speech would have been … something.
LADIES AND GENTLEMAN WE HAVE BROUGHT A CHAMPIONCHIP TO ISTANBUL!
Guy could certainly sell anything to anyone haha
He better not take that jacket off though if it doesn’t say Ewing on his 33 jersey.
he wears a josh hart jersey
Dolan: “Real Knicks fans know 33 belongs to Dillon Jones!” *holds for applause*
A generational politician.
Literally moving like 2009 LeBron
2026 Brunson
Exact type of politician that we need in every corner of the country. Just the perfect example
More time that passes the less bitter I feel about the Finals loss and the more happy I feel for the Knicks and their actual fans. I have been blessed to watch the Spurs win multiple titles and one of the things that always crosses my mind are the people who live through their team that have never gotten to experience the same. The fans have had to go through some truly ass teams throughout the years, but they stay being one of the biggest franchises in sports. It’s cool to see people who stuck around get rewarded for that.
Feel like my mentality our series was “Wemby’s gonna get rings during our career, please let us just have this one” so this is valid lol
Why did he have to be born in fucking Uganda lmaooo
Wild to me that our current administration wants to ban birthright citizenship yet we have a requirement to be born in the US to be president
I dont know shit about his policies if dude is good mayor on technicality. But they won a chip recently after he was elected, so I’m guessing he is already one of their greatest mayors of all time
Its only been 6 months. Fixed tons of pot holes. Delt with 2 monster winter storms. Got expanded 3k. Got people on the rent control board who will be voting on the rent hike this year.
And Got to get a banger of a ticker tape parade organized.
Crime at historic lows
The city feels like Disney rn it’s crazy
Annual budget is also under control because of him
Holding the worst landlords accountable. Monster negotiator with Albany.
You could tell Dolan hated how good Mamdani’s speech was.
I’m not trying to win your vote
Not sure that was it verbatim but what a miserable entitled silver spooned piece of shot
It was worse
I don’t need your votes.
AKA I’m rich and fuck you.
Fire me tf up Zohran!
Ready to run through a brick wall
Every part of this was dope but man, when he made sure to shout out IQ RJ Donte Randle and Thibs I already was tearing up hahaha, OAKAAK baby
God damn that’s lit
He just gets it. Even if all of his policies were a complete disaster (they are not) he would win elections on charisma alone.
He’s gonna be mayor forever.
Mike Bloomberg tried that. Didn’t go well
He was the most liked mayor until Mamdani tbh. Won 3 times, once each as a Dem, Rep, and Independent. Wasn’t nearly as disliked as DiBlasio or Adams
We liked Bloomberg just fine. He won three times and left. Then term limits came in.
Not enough people talk about how transformational the Starbury’s were. Dope ass comfy shoes that were $20 and no one had to feel embarrassed to rock them. A superstar signature shoe that everyone can afford should be the standard and he’ll always be a hero to me for that.
Starburrys were CLUTCH. I remember I walked into Steve & Barry’s and left with like 6-7 pairs of shoes with something like 100 bucks. I still have a couple of those 😂
Banger speech and he barely looked down at his notes too
He’s got teleprompters lol
Hate to break it to you but the speech is on those two black screens infront of him to his left and right.
Dolan was such an asshole after this. Not only did he throw shade, but he and his son refused to pose for photos with Mamdani after receiving the keys.
Dolan was is such an asshole. after this. Not only did he throw shade, but he and his son refused to pose for photos with Mamdani after receiving the keys.
Congrats from a jealous hornets fan hoping to experience something like this one day. That speech was electric
No other US-based sport’s fanbase will ever experience something like this. Insane combination of underdog team defeating an undeserving favorite, 50+ year drought, record bandwagon jumping, once-in-a-lifetime charismatic mayor, and the fucking World Cup
I’m not even a knicks fan but I was born here and live here and you’re right. Such insane combination of events that made this run insane
All in the biggest city/metro area in the country
The way this guy rattled off decades of Knicks history without flinching, stuttering, or looking at his notes once is absolutely incredible. He’s as authentic as they come. New York is very lucky to have him
lol he has a teleprompter!
Zohran knows ball
I’m happy everyone can hear this and appreciate what it feels like to live here and be part of the culture of New York. It really is a special place. We really have a special community.
The entire speech needs to be posted. His 0.4% statements were 🔥
You don’t mess with the Zohran!!!
Seriously the guy is going to make me a Knicks fan which I thought was impossible.
Everyone in NYC see if you can vote in the primaries on June 23 and please do
Unreal public speaker.
my boy langston galloway getting a shoutout in a knicks championship parade… how is all of this real?
Are politicians allowed to have this much Aura?
Was not expecting a Langston Galloway callout in a Knicks finals parade.
So refreshing when a political leader uses a speech to unite and inspire, instead of creating division.
One of the best public speakers ever. Fire me UP!!!!
NEW YORK CITY IS THE ONLY CITY IN THE WORLD
One hell of a speech
As a Blazers fan, this gave me chills. Congrats Knicks. Well deserved. One of the greatest championship runs I have ever witnessed.
The NBA Cup, Eastern* Conference Finals Trophy, and The Larry O’Brien trophy look so good together.
Dolan was so fucking mad at how awesome this was, amazing