--- title: "Etan Thomas Urges Knicks Fans to Boo Trump at Finals" description: "Etan Thomas calls for Knicks fans to boo Donald Trump if he attends the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, blending sports and politics." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/michael-jordan-s-ex-teammate-wants-donald-trump-to-get-prop-467ae1fb published: 2026-06-13T17:19:22.438+00:00 updated: 2026-06-13T17:19:22.438+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # Etan Thomas Urges Knicks Fans to Boo Trump at Finals > Etan Thomas calls for Knicks fans to boo Donald Trump if he attends the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, blending sports and politics. Etan Thomas, a former NBA player who shared a locker room with Michael Jordan, is calling on New York Knicks fans to give Donald Trump a 'proper greeting' of boos if the former President attends an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden. Thomas made his demand on X, emphasizing that he wants the crowd to unleash the full fury of the Garden on Trump. He believes that the crowd reaction will be a defining moment in the series, making it not just about basketball, but about the city's voice. The NBA Finals are set to take place at Madison Square Garden, a venue notorious for its intense atmosphere. If Trump does attend a game, the crowd's reaction will undoubtedly be the story of the night. Thomas is tapping into the specific, unfiltered identity of New York fandom, promising that the series won't just be about basketball, but about the city's voice. The potential for a confrontation between Trump and Knicks fans at the NBA Finals has sparked a heated debate, with many weighing in on social media. The situation remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Garden will be electric if Trump does attend a game. Thomas's call for a booing reception for Trump is not without precedent. In 2016, during the NBA Finals, then-candidate Trump was booed by fans at Madison Square Garden. This time, with Trump's political career in decline, the atmosphere could be even more charged. The Knicks, as a team, have a history of standing up for their city and its values, and Thomas's call for a booing reception could be seen as a way to continue that tradition. The potential for a confrontation between Trump and Knicks fans at the NBA Finals is not just a matter of sports, but also a reflection of the broader political climate. With Trump's popularity among certain segments of the population declining, his presence at a major sporting event could be seen as a way to rally support or, conversely, to face backlash. The NBA, as a league, has a history of avoiding political statements, but the situation at hand could force the league to confront the issue of political speech in its venues. Moreover, the Knicks' fanbase is known for its passionate and vocal support, which could amplify the impact of Thomas's call. The Garden has seen its share of political statements, and this moment could serve as a litmus test for how sports and politics intertwine in today's climate. As fans prepare for the Finals, the potential for a politically charged atmosphere could shift the narrative from the court to the stands, showcasing how sports can serve as a platform for social commentary. As the Finals approach, the implications of Thomas's call resonate beyond just basketball. The event could become a focal point for discussions about political engagement in sports, especially in a city like New York, where the intersection of sports and politics is deeply rooted in its culture. Fans are not just spectators; they are participants in a larger dialogue about identity, values, and the role of public figures in sports arenas. ## Why this matters The Garden isn't just a venue; it's a pressure cooker. If Trump actually sits courtside during a Finals game, the crowd reaction becomes the story. Thomas is tapping into the specific, unfiltered identity of New York fandom, promising that the series won't just be about basketball, but about the city's voice. ## Frequently asked ### What is Etan Thomas asking Knicks fans to do? Etan Thomas is asking Knicks fans to give Donald Trump a 'proper greeting' of boos if he attends an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden. ### Why is the crowd reaction important in this situation? The crowd reaction will be a defining moment in the series, making it not just about basketball, but about the city's voice. ### What is the significance of the NBA Finals taking place at Madison Square Garden? Madison Square Garden is notorious for its intense atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for a confrontation between Trump and Knicks fans. ### What is the current situation regarding Trump attending the NBA Finals? The situation remains uncertain, but many are weighing in on social media, sparking a heated debate. ### What is the history of political figures being booed at Madison Square Garden? In 2016, during the NBA Finals, then-candidate Trump was booed by fans at Madison Square Garden. This time, with Trump's political career in decline, the atmosphere could be even more charged. ## Sources & Citations - [Michael Jordan’s ex-teammate wants Donald Trump to get ‘proper greeting’ during Knicks playoff games - Yahoo Sports](https://www.hitc.com/michael-jordans-ex-teammate-wants-donald-trump-to-get-proper-greeting-during-knicks-playoff-games/) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-05) --- Cite: Etan Thomas Urges Knicks Fans to Boo Trump at Finals. Sportopod, 2026-06-13. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/michael-jordan-s-ex-teammate-wants-donald-trump-to-get-prop-467ae1fb