Report: Knicks delayed coaching rings, tempted staffers with phishing offer
Knicks assistant coaches were handed empty ring boxes at Tuesday's title ceremony because they hadn't been fitted for their rings, and some MSG staffers who clicked a fake "Employee Championship Ring" email learned it was a phishing test, per The Athletic.
The New York Knicks celebrated their first NBA championship in 53 years on Tuesday -- but not everyone got the full treatment. Assistant coaches were handed empty ring boxes during the title ceremony, and some team staffers received something even stranger: a phishing email, according to a report from The Athletic.
The Athletic reported Thursday that the assistant coaches were given empty boxes at Tuesday's ceremony ahead of the season opener, in part because they had not yet been fitted for their rings. The coaches' reaction to the delayed rings ranged from annoyance to anger, the report said.
For some employees in the Knicks' business operations and at Madison Square Garden, no rings are coming at all. Instead, they reportedly received an email last month saying "your Employee Championship Ring is here" and offering a choice of options at "no cost to you." Those who clicked the link were informed they had failed a phishing test and would have to attend a mandatory cybersecurity class.
An MSG Sports spokesperson declined to comment on the rings, telling The Athletic: "We are not disclosing anything about the rings."
The Knicks are not the first champions with a ring delay -- the Oklahoma City Thunder had a similar situation after their 2025 title, The Athletic noted. New York ended its 53-year championship drought by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, and Tuesday's ceremony also unveiled a second banner honoring the team's NBA Cup win during the 2025-26 season.
Source: ESPN — Top Headlines — TrendWire reports stories in its own words; facts should be confirmed against the original source.