New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is not just running a city; he’s one of the biggest Knicks fans in it. In a recent appearance on the SideTalk NYC podcast We Outside, Mamdani spoke openly about the Knicks’ playoff chances, shouted out the roster by name, and even had something to say about Mitchell Robinson’s now-viral toenail moment.
Mayor Mamdani on the Knicks’ Championship
GettyJalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks
When host asked Mamdani about the Knicks’ chances of winning a championship during his term as mayor, the response was instant and unfiltered.
“Got to be yay. I mean, Jaylen Brunson, Mo, Aara — we’re going to see my boy shine in the playoffs,” Mamdani said on the podcast.
He also addressed the chaos a Knicks title would cause.
“As a New Yorker, you’re like, I cannot wait for this. As the mayor, absolute chaos. Absolute chaos,” he added, laughing.
Mitchell Robinson’s Viral Toenail
Only in New York. Knicks center Mitchell Robinson recently went viral after posting his ripped-off toenail on Instagram. In a now-legendary two-part story, Robinson first posted: “Hey guys look it’s my toenail I ripped off. Ima keep it.”
The next morning, he returned with the signed toenail and a poll asking followers: “Anyone want a signed toenail?” 49% said yes, 51% said no.
Mamdani, naturally, had thoughts.
“If Mitch keeps signing toenails, who knows? Frame it in City Hall. That’s what I’m saying — we would put it up,” he said on We Outside.
Knicks Enter Playoffs as Heavy Favorites
GettyJalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks
The New York Knicks (53-29) are starting the 2026 NBA playoffs on April 18 when they will play the Atlanta Hawks (46-36) in a best-of-seven series in the first round.
Knicks are very strong favorites, as per ESPN, they have a 69.5% chance of winning the first game at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks outperformed the Hawks 2-1 in the regular season games, with the final win being a 108-105 one in early April.
Jalen Brunson is the main man on the floor, and Mamdani has expressed that he thinks JB is perfectly poised for his moment in the spotlight of the playoffs.
Mamdani, the Knicks Logo, and Even Trump Got Involved
Mamdani’s relationship with the Knicks has not always been smooth. During his mayoral campaign in October 2025, his team used an altered Knicks logo that read “New York Zohran” in a campaign ad. The Knicks quickly responded with a cease-and-desist letter, stating that they did not endorse Mamdani and that they would pursue all legal remedies.
But the story did not stop there. Shortly after, the White House posted the same Knicks logo on official social media with the message “Trump is your President,” appearing to mock Mamdani following his election win. The Knicks reached out to the White House directly, and the post was quietly deleted.
In response, a Knicks spokesperson said: “The Knicks remain neutral on political matters.”
Despite the legal drama, Mamdani has remained one of the team’s most vocal public supporters.
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