It’s become popular in New York City over the last couple of years to root for the Knicks. Before lifelong Knicks die-hards get upset about this article, let’s acknowledge that there are thousands of loyal Knicks supporters who have been tuning in to watch the Knickerbockers every season since they last made the NBA Finals in 1999, which represents many years of painful viewing. These fans — Ben Stiller included (when he’s not filming a movie) — should be lauded for their commitment. Stiller is not being labeled a bandwagon fan here, but his post to X on Tuesday — designed to settle down Knicks fans who are panicking about a 2-2 start (how horrid!) — hints at the new landscape of NBA fandom in New York these days: a brand new (mostly Gen Z) legion of Knicks enthusiasts who have never cared about the team until recently, don’t remember any Knicks teams that didn’t feature Jalen Brunson, and have no idea how bad the Knicks have consistently been for decades (with a few exceptions). In a call to arms message, Stiller did what he could to ease the pain of Knicks bandwagons.“We’re going to have to give the #Knicks a minute,” Stiller wrote. “We’ve known that, and though we want it to be perfect out of the box, the reality is this is a whole new system. We all know the pieces are in place, now have to trust that what they are working towards is a fully synced team as the season moves on, peaking in the spring.” We’re going to have to give the #Knicks a minute. We’ve known that, and though we want it to be perfect out of the box, the reality is this is a whole new system. We all know the pieces are in place, now have to trust that what they are working towards is a fully synced team as…— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) October 29, 2025 The reason Stiller’s message is so unintentionally ironic and hilarious is that, for years, anyone following the Knicks would have been optimistic and thankful about a 2-2 start, not panicking. Story continues below advertisement The new wave of entitled, championship-expecting Knicks fans, however, are frustrated beyond belief over their championship-caliber team falling short of the 4-0 start that fans “deserve”. After the firing of Tom Thibodeau, these fans expected the Knicks to become the ’96 Bulls under mastermind Mike Brown. What’s taking so long? The East is weak this year! New York should win 70 games! Story continues below advertisement Thankfully, NYC has Stiller to keep everyone calm.