New York Knicks Fans Name Son 'Knickson Fyve' to Commemorate NBA Finals Victory
A couple's unique tribute to their beloved basketball team has drawn both praise and criticism online.
The phrase 'Knicks in Five' became a rallying cry throughout New York City this summer as its basketball team clinched the NBA Finals. For one couple, the victory inspired a permanent, and unusual, tribute: naming their newborn son Knickson Fyve Bradford.
Vance Bradford, an actor and filmmaker, and his wife, Yvonne Gonzalez, welcomed their son over the summer. They announced the birth on Wednesday, revealing the infant's full name.
The couple has established an Instagram account for their son, showcasing photos of the baby dressed in Knicks-themed colors and apparel. Speaking to Today.com, Bradford explained that the couple had pre-selected names before the birth, considering 'Lady Victoria' for a girl and 'Prestige Wisdom' for a boy. However, as the Knicks progressed through the playoffs, they reconsidered.
'You know how when something happens so well in your favor, you don't want to jinx it?' Vance told the outlet. 'I was just like "Yep! Absolutely. That's it."' Yvonne conceived the name 'Knickson,' and the middle name 'Fyve' was decided a few days later.
Knickson Fyve Bradford was born on August 8, just 56 days after the Knicks ended a 53-year championship drought. Notably, the child was born weighing eight pounds and eight ounces on '8/8,' a date significant to his mother's birthday. The timing also coincided with the Knicks' number 8 player, OG Anunoby, who made a pivotal last-second tip-in in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, capping a 29-point comeback.
Adding to the familial connection, Vance's mother served as the scorekeeper for the Knicks during their 1972-73 season, the last time the team won a title before this recent victory. Vance described the name as a 'very strong and firm name that would lead to a cool life,' calling 'Knickson Fyve' their motto.
While the parents expressed happiness with their choice, the name generated a strong reaction on social media, with many users criticizing the decision. Comments ranged from questioning the choice of unique names by modern parents to expressing sympathy for the child. One user on X wrote, 'Why do people do this Millennial/Gen Z parents playing games with their children’s LEGAL names smh,' while another stated, 'Poor kid I hate when parents do this.'