New York City is a different beast for many reasons and that plays a significant factor in the New York Knicks fan base. For one, Knicks fans expect the most out of their players, and when they aren't playing at the level they expect them to, fans will certainly let them know. On the flip side of that, there are plenty of perks that come with playing in New York.
Not only do players get to play in the greatest arena in the world, Madison Square Garden, and win at a high level now because of what the organization has done, but they also have a great life off the court.
There's something to be said about being a Knicks player, and it isn't anything that most of the players on the team take lightly.
That includes Mikal Bridges, who recently signed a four-year, $150 million extension. After signing his deal, Bridges took to Instagram to shout out to the fan base and the city, dropping a simple three-word message.
"I love it here."
Some are made for it, some run from it, and some embrace it.
Bridges, who had a decent first season with the Knicks, is somewhere in the middle of that. He certainly didn't shy away from the grind, but he must continue to perform at the level Knicks fans had hoped for, which he demonstrated at times during parts of last season.
Ultimately, however, he has to be a bit better, and the expectation around the league is for him to do that.