Ben Stiller Prioritizes Knicks NBA Title Over an Oscar, Talks Basketball Passion on ‘New Heights’ Podcast
Ben Stiller is making one thing clear: for him, an NBA championship is more important than an Academy Award. On the latest episode of the “New Heights” podcast, hosted by Travis and Jason Kelce, the legendary actor and director revealed just how deep his love for the New York Knicks runs — so much so that he’d gladly trade an Oscar for an NBA title for his beloved team.
Ben Stiller’s True Trophy Dream: A Knicks Championship
Stiller admitted that if he had to choose between an Oscar and the Knicks winning an NBA title, he would go for the latter without hesitation. As he put it, the possibility of the Knicks bringing home the Larry O’Brien Trophy seems far more realistic, making him “definitely down” for that scenario to unfold.
Despite being an established Hollywood figure with numerous accolades under his belt, including a recent appearance at the Academy Awards in 2023, Stiller expressed that his long-running desire for a Knicks championship far surpasses the prestige of an Oscar.
“I’d rather have the Knicks win a title,” Stiller stated, emphasizing that the NBA title would mean more to him than any golden statuette.
Knicks Fans and a History of Heartbreak
It’s easy to see why Stiller’s loyalty lies with the Knicks, who haven’t secured an NBA Finals win since 1973. They’ve also struggled to reach the Eastern Conference Finals in recent years, with their last appearance in 1999. But despite the team’s lengthy championship drought, Stiller has remained a steadfast supporter, regularly voicing his passion for the team.
He even posted on X (formerly Twitter) during the Academy Awards in 2023, sharing his enthusiasm for the Knicks while presenting at the prestigious event — proving that his love for basketball always comes first.
Optimism for the Knicks’ Future
The Knicks’ future is looking brighter these days, especially with rising stars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the charge. Their strong performances on the court are giving Stiller and other Knicks fans hope that a championship victory may not be as far off as it once seemed.
Travis Kelce Relates with Ben Stiller’s Pain
Travis Kelce, who also shares a love for his Cleveland Cavaliers, empathized with Stiller’s frustrations, recalling how Cleveland fans endured years without a title until LeBron James and Kyrie Irving led the Cavaliers to their first-ever NBA Championship in 2016. If Cleveland can break their long-standing championship curse, Kelce encouraged Stiller to keep his hopes up for the Knicks.
Will Stiller’s Dream Come True?
For now, Stiller will continue to support his team from the sidelines, hoping that one day soon, the Knicks will rise to the occasion and win that elusive NBA title. With the team’s recent improvements, the dream of bringing a championship back to New York City may not be as far out of reach as it once seemed.
