On the latest episode of the Mind the Game podcast, LeBron James and Steve Nash previewed the season. James showed a lot of respect for the defending champion New York Knicks. Nash discussed the Knicks' expectations and how many believed the Spurs had a more talented roster, but they ultimately put the pieces together to win the title.
LeBron spoke highly of their championship run.
“They played the game the right way, defended at an extremely high level, and you always have to respect teams that compete. One thing about Mike Brown's teams…I played for him in my early days in Cleveland…is that he always just talked about compete: ‘Let's compete, let's compete, let's compete.' He got guys that played it the right way.”
LeBron then highlighted several players on the Knicks championship team, but zeroed in on OG Anunoby.
“We always talk about how high praise Josh Hart is. Unbelievable. Obviously, we see OG. OG, I think, was the MVP of the team in the Finals. Obviously, Brunson became the MVP, but it's the small things: the chase-down block on Fox, the tip for the game, and that he was consistent in continuing to knock down threes. His numbers from day one of the playoffs through were incredible. Obviously, we know Jalen Brunson was the head of the snake, but I think OG was just the most steady person for that team. They just got contributions from everybody.”
LeBron James and the new-look Philadelphia 76ers will face Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and the New York Knicks on opening night, October 20.