New York Knicks players Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride have voiced skepticism regarding Taylor Swift's commitment to the team, calling her presence at games "performative" during an appearance on the NBA 2K League's Deflected show. When asked about the "fakest celebrity Knicks fan," both players pointed to Swift.
Kolek stated, "Maybe Taylor Swift?" adding that her appearances seem designed to be seen rather than stemming from genuine fandom. McBride agreed, anticipating backlash from Swift's fanbase, known as "Swifties." Both players contrasted Swift's perceived lack of consistent attendance with other celebrities like Ben Stiller and Tracy Morgan, whom they consider "legit" fans.
Swift has been seen courtside at Madison Square Garden for key games, including Game 4 of the NBA Finals and Eastern Conference Finals matchups. However, Kolek noted, "I don't know if I've seen her at any other games... it's a little performative."
Knicks announcer Monica McNutt also drew criticism for similar comments, suggesting Swift was "not a Knicks fan." She later clarified that her remarks were based on not seeing Swift at many games that season and observing her attending a Cleveland Cavaliers game with Travis Kelce, her then-fiancé. McNutt acknowledged she was unaware of Swift's prior attendance in 2014 and a deeper connection to the team, particularly after Swift was gifted an Amar'e Stoudemire jersey.
Despite the player and announcer comments, Knicks star Jalen Brunson offered a defense of Swift, telling reporters to "cut her some slack" and that "she's a really good one." Swift herself has occasionally acknowledged her support, humorously telling an executive after a Knicks win, "Oh my gosh, you know what I did what I can, just gotta keep the energy up. Never a doubt!"