Hour 1: Are the 2026 Knicks Better Than the 90's Knicks?

Bart & Carlin48mMay 6, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of 'Bart & Carlin,' the hosts engage in a spirited debate over whether the current 2026 New York Knicks team surpasses the legendary 1990s Knicks in talent and overall quality. They examine the evolution of the franchise, contrasting the gritty, physically dominant 90s teams led by Patrick Ewing with today’s more versatile, deep, and statistically superior roster featuring stars like Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. The discussion centers on how the modern Knicks have transformed their style of play—maximizing player strengths and improving team cohesion—making them arguably the best team in franchise history. While acknowledging the romanticized legacy of the 90s squads, especially their 1994 Finals run, the hosts argue that today’s team has greater raw talent, better depth, and a more sustainable championship window. The conversation also touches on the psychological shift in fan confidence, with listeners weighing in on whether this team inspires more trust than past iterations. The episode further explores concerns about physicality in the upcoming series against the Sixers, particularly around Joel Embiid’s potential for provocation and the risk of on-court altercations.

Key Takeaways
1

The current Knicks roster is more talented and deeper than any team in franchise history, including the 1990s dynasty.

2

The team’s recent stylistic shift—reducing Brunson’s ball-handling burden and maximizing Cat’s playmaking—has unlocked their full potential.

3

Fan confidence is rising, but the team must overcome the psychological hurdle of past failures and maintain health to capitalize on their championship window.

4

The 1990s Knicks were legendary for toughness and grit, but their lack of elite supporting talent limited their success despite being close to a title.

5

The modern Knicks’ best chance to win a championship is now, with key players entering their prime and limited time before major contract decisions.

Chapters
0:00
5 min

Opening Banter and Outfit Theme: 'Negroes in the Wild'

The hosts begin with lighthearted banter about Carlin’s safari-inspired outfit, jokingly naming a new segment 'Negroes in the Wild' and riffing on fashion, color symbolism, and cultural references. The playful tone sets a casual, irreverent mood for the episode.

5:00
10 min

The Core Debate: 2026 Knicks vs. 1990s Knicks

This overall is the best Knicks roster that we've seen in 40 years. And that's just fact from the way it's standing up right now.

Highlight
15:00
10 min

The 1990s Legacy: Grit vs. Talent

They went deep with Atlanta, a team they should have demolished. So is it because they planned like if they would play Boston, if Boston were the one, would we be saying that?

Highlight
25:00
10 min

Fan Perception and the 'Best Team' Question

I think we remember them the way we want to remember them. It's like anything in life when you think about old relationships that feel like they were great and why did I bail out of that one?

Highlight
35:00
10 min

The 2013 Carmelo Era and the 'Overrated' Narrative

The hosts critique the romanticization of the Carmelo Anthony-era Knicks, arguing that despite their star power and one playoff series win, they lacked depth, cohesion, and true championship pedigree. They contrast this with the current team’s health and balance.

High-Impact Quotes
You've already done all the good things to get to 90. To get to 95, you almost got to be perfect. And that pursuit is challenging to go from good to great.
Chris Carlin11:03
Viral: 90.0
This overall is the best Knicks roster that we've seen in 40 years. And that's just fact from the way it's standing up right now.
Chris Carlin6:10
Viral: 85.0
Watch the elbow. Watch Embiid. That's all I'm saying.
Tom Bauer (listener)43:27
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Hosts

Bart ScottChris Carlin
Topics Discussed
knicks team comparison95%championship window90%fan nostalgia85%team chemistry and style80%player health and injury75%playoff physicality70%toughness vs. talent65%franchise legacy60%
People & Brands

new york knicks

other

45xPositive

1990s knicks

other

22xMixed

chris carlin

person

18xNeutral

bart scott

person

15xNeutral

jalen brunson

person

12xPositive

patrick ewing

person

10xMixed

og anunoby

person

8xPositive

carmelo anthony

person

7xNegative

john starks

person

6xNeutral

joel embiid

person

5xNeutral

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