New York Knicks players Tyler Kolek and Miles ‘Deuce’ McBride have questioned Taylor Swift’s loyalty to the basketball team, with both suggesting that her courtside appearances are more about publicity than genuine support.
The comments came during an appearance on the NBA 2K League’s Deflected show, where the teammates were asked to identify the fakest celebrity Knicks fan they had seen sitting courtside.
Kolek suggested that some celebrities attend games primarily to be seen rather than because they genuinely support the team.
“Maybe Taylor Swift?” he said, prompting McBride to nod in agreement.
Kolek went on to question how regularly the singer attended games, while McBride warned that their comments would not go down well with her devoted fanbase.
“Swifties are not gonna like that answer,” McBride remarked.
Tyler Kolek Describes Swift’s Support as Performative
Kolek acknowledged that Swift had other commitments that could prevent her from attending every game but maintained that her appearances appeared somewhat staged.
“Yeah nah, the Swifties, I’m gonna get some hate from the Swifties,” he said.
“I guess she’s got a lot going on so she can’t come all the time. But it’s a little performative.”
McBride also distinguished Swift from other celebrity supporters who regularly attend Knicks games, naming Ben Stiller and Tracy Morgan among those he considered genuine fans.
The players’ comments were shared on social media on November 5, 2026, attracting attention because of Swift’s high-profile appearances at Madison Square Garden.
Swift Attended Knicks’ Historic NBA Finals Campaign
Swift was among the celebrities who watched the Knicks during their memorable NBA Finals campaign last season.
She attended Game 4 against the San Antonio Spurs, sitting courtside with Alana and Este Haim as the Knicks produced a remarkable 29-point comeback.
The singer was also present at Madison Square Garden in May for the Eastern Conference Finals matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team supported by her now-husband, Travis Kelce.
The appearance came months before the couple married at the same venue.
Swift had also attended Knicks games in 2014, having maintained a connection with New York, where she has lived for several years.
However, her appearances have not always been enough to convince everyone associated with the team that she is a committed supporter.
Knicks Announcer Previously Questioned Her Support
The latest comments follow an earlier controversy involving Knicks announcer Monica McNutt, who questioned Swift’s allegiance while covering a game she attended.
During the broadcast, McNutt remarked: “She’s not a Knicks fan. Get out of here, girl.”
Her comments attracted considerable criticism from Swift’s supporters, prompting Knicks guard Jalen Brunson to publicly defend the singer.
During a locker room interview with McNutt amid the team’s celebrations, Brunson addressed Swift’s fanbase directly.
“I just want to say something to the Swifties,” he said.
“She’s a really good one. Cut her some slack. It’s all good. I promise.”
Monica McNutt Explains Her Comments
McNutt subsequently addressed the controversy during an interview with TMZ Sports, acknowledging that she had not known about Swift’s connection to the Knicks.
She explained that she had worked with the organisation for five years and was familiar with several celebrities who regularly occupied courtside seats, including Stiller, his wife Christine, Spike Lee and Fat Joe.
According to McNutt, she had not seen Swift at Madison Square Garden during the previous season or the current campaign.
She also pointed out that the singer had recently attended a game involving the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kelce’s team, and was not wearing any Knicks merchandise during the appearance that prompted her remarks.
McNutt further revealed that she had not recognised Swift’s connection to the team despite the singer owning a vintage Amar’e Stoudemire Knicks jersey.
“I misspoke, I did not know,” she said, before adding that she was happy to welcome Swift’s support.
“T-Swift, we could be united in orange and blue. Like, it’s fine.”
Swift Responds to Claims She Brought the Knicks Good Luck
Swift also appeared to acknowledge her role in supporting the Knicks after their victory against the Spurs.
The day after attending the game, she was present at the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony in New York.
During the event, Universal Music Publishing president Evan Lamberg was overheard thanking her for supporting the team and joking that she had brought them good luck.
“Thank you for our Knicks good luck, think you won the game for them,” Lamberg told her.
Swift laughed and responded: “Oh my gosh, you know what I did what I can, just gotta keep the energy up. Never a doubt!”
