New York Knicks: Interview with former VP Jonathan Supranowitz

As big as the New York Knicks are, some may not realize the amount of work that comes with working in the front office. No one will know that more, than Jonathan Supranowitz.

It is 8 a.m. in a front office in New York City. Jonathan Supranowitz, the Vice President of Public Relations for the New York Knicks, prepares for another packed day full of interviews and constant media attention. After a long flight back to NYC from a road game, Jonathan is getting ready for a home game later in the day. He prepares for the media as shootaround and morning practice starts. Additionally, he arranges each interview for the players and coaches, as well as oversees the press conference broadcasted to a national audience.

Tough Job

Some of the days are easier than others for Jonathan. This is New York after all. Because the slightest bit of change can happen at any minute within the organization, he needs to pay attention to every detail and has to have a plan to handle any situations that may lead to a crisis.

In fact, Jonathan has seen his fair share of major changes to the New York Knicks organization that led to a major crisis. Since starting in the organization in 2000, he has experienced 11 head coach changes and eight president changes. After each firing of a head coach and president, each trade, and each signing, Supranowitz has been there, dealing with the media coverage.

At the beginning of each season, Supranowitz is faced with one of the biggest tasks: media day. These are among his most important projects of the year since each season the Knicks encounter multiple question marks. He must prepare for interviews, photo shoots, and multiple giveaways for the entire season. Supranowitz also creates different promotions for events, such as the various holidays the team plays on each year.

Media day is an all-day event where much must get done, and it is a great day to prepare for all the team’s different affairs planned for the season. Media day can also be a very stressful time. When new players come into the organization, they might be controversial in some interviews or may have an issue with one of the players on the Knicks and it becomes known to the public.