Late Friday in San Antonio, Spurs grouchy legendary coach Gregg Popovich referred to Carmelo Anthony as “a Hall of Fame player.” He raved 7-foot-3 rookie Kristaps Porzingis will become “great.” And the Spurs Majordomo didn’t trash his team afterward for nearly losing their season’s first home game to a sub-.500 club from the smarmy East.
The Knicks have The Pope’s — rather Pop’s — blessing that they have arrived as a respectable outfit with a future and maybe a present. And, remember, Popovich and his antagonist, Knicks president Phil Jackson, won’t be clinking wine glasses anytime soon, as much as the Spurs coach loves fine wine.