The Knicks Attempt Damage Control After Tyler Kolek Calls Taylor Swift A Fake Fan

The Knicks do not want to take on the Swifties. On Thursday, point guard Tyler Kolek and teammate Miles "Deuce" McBride did an NBA 2K TikTok livestream and were asked who the fakest celebrity Knicks fan is. "Maybe Taylor Swift," Kolek answered, and McBride agreed, adding, "Swifties not gonna like that answer." They agreed that other celebs like Ben Stiller and Tracy Morgan seemed to be real fans, whereas Swift's appearances feel performative.

Hours after this answer circulated, the team reached out to TMZ Sports, saying: "Taylor Swift has been a Knicks fan for many years, has a long history with Madison Square Garden, and we are incredibly appreciative of her support of the organization." Lots of statements from the Knicks extended family this week. Earlier this week, MSG released a statement about Macklemore in response to him calling out several major arenas that wouldn't support his Free Palestine tour.

Kolek did give her a break, saying she's been busy lately. But Swift has a long Knicks history. She's been to many games over the years and even performed at one when she was 13 years old — in the Knicks' halftime kids' talent contest at the Garden. Also, she tied the knot with Kelce at MSG.

The correct answer was actually Noah Kahan, who posted about being a recent fan earlier this year.