It's a year-round labor of love for Klein, who attaches and leaves one of his balloon creations on a pole at Hudson and Leroy in the West Village.
Now, he's paying homage to the Knicks fresh off their NBA championship.
"The Knicks thing...it was a no brainer," he said. "The one I made yesterday of Jalen Brunson - I knew people would love it."
Klein, 76, considers balloons to be a bridge between strangers. The retired electrician started by making simple ballon animals at events for kids but stepped his game up after going to a balloon art convention.
"Initially...I wanted to make a political statement but then I realized the best political statement is more kindness, more compassion," he said.
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