John McEnroe wants to leave Paris fast after the French Open. The 67-year-old plans to reach New York for the Knicks' first NBA Finals home game. The former top-ranked tennis player was 14 when the Knicks last won a title. He has waited 53 years for another shot.
McEnroe is in Paris for TV commentary at Roland Garros. The French Open ends Sunday. Game 3 of the NBA Finals is in New York on Monday. "Hopefully I'll be there," McEnroe said in Paris on Monday. He called the coming series a dream matchup.
McEnroe praised San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama. "It's going to be awesome because (Victor) Wembanyama is out of this world," he said. "Can't ask for a better matchup, it's like getting your best guys to do their thing. " He expects Wembanyama to give
the Knicks a hard time.
A French reporter asked if McEnroe is afraid of Wembanyama. "No, he doesn't know who the hell I am," McEnroe replied. He then spoke about tactics. "I don't know if you stop him. It's probably impossible to stop him," he said. He suggested trying to slow Wembanyama instead.
McEnroe said the Knicks must "make other guys beat you. " He praised the Spurs depth. "But they got some great other players," he added. His focus remains on seeing the Knicks in person. He hopes his schedule will allow the quick travel from Paris.
The Knicks won their only NBA titles in 1970 and 1973. McEnroe shared his early heroes. "I loved Clyde. He was my favorite," he said of Walt "Clyde" Frazier. He also named Willis Reed and called that roster a great team.
McEnroe thought success would come often after those years. "So I thought that was going to happen regularly," he said. "So It took a little longer than anticipated. " The long wait shapes his view of the present squad and this finals run.
McEnroe named Josh Hart his favourite current Knick. "He's so hungry and just makes everyone better and the offense-defense thing," he said. "But you got to love (Jalen) Brunson, too. " He sees both as key to the Knicks' hopes against Wembanyama and the Spurs.
He also shared a clear series forecast. McEnroe's prediction is simple. "Knicks in six. " His comments linked his youth memories, present job in Paris, and strong wish to be courtside in New York as the NBA Finals return to Madison Square Garden.
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