Mikal Bridges makes curious comments about Knicks fans

Winning may not necessarily have cured all for Mikal Bridges.

The New York Knicks forward Bridges gave an interview this week to Jared Schwartz of The New York Post. During the interview, Bridges got asked about his relationship with Knicks fans and notably said that he did not know if he was appreciated by the fanbase.

“I don’t know,” Bridges said. “I’m not sure about that. Can just say that I’m appreciative of fans.

“If I see them when I’m walking my dog or something like that, just a lot of nice things to say,” added Bridges. “That’s foremost, kind of more like a human on human interaction, just very nice and grateful to be in this position. I don’t need to feel like there’s validation and there’s like, ‘OK, now he can…’ No, I hold myself accountable at all times.”

The former All-Defensive selection Bridges, 30, was a lightning rod for criticism by Knicks fans, especially before they won the 2026 NBA championship. The Knicks notably gave up five future first-round draft picks to acquire Bridges in a 2024 trade with the Brooklyn Nets, and Bridges also went on to sign a four-year, $150 million contract extension with the team in 2025.

But Bridges’ statistical output, especially for that kind of investment, has left a lot to be desired. Even as New York went on to win the NBA title last season, Bridges only averaged 14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game during the regular season and 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game during the playoffs.

Still, Bridges is a clear role player for the Knicks and fills his role well as a 3-and-D hustle forward. But Bridges did also have some high-profile playoff duds last season, and it seems like he still does not fully feel the love from the New York fanbase.