It's been 51 long years since the New York Knicks last hoisted the NBA Championship trophy. The memories of the 1973 team, led by Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier, continue to linger in the hearts of the Knicks' faithful. Frazier, now a television analyst for the Knicks, offers a wealth of perspective on both past glories and present challenges.
As the Knicks look to build on a promising performance, they’re coming off a season that saw them reach the second round of the playoffs, taking the Indiana Pacers to a grueling seven games. With 50 wins last season—marking the first time since 2013—the Knicks seem to be on an upward trajectory. A standout performer, Jalen Brunson, averaged career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists, leading the team with his tenacious work ethic and a team-first mentality.
Over the summer, the Knicks made key moves, bringing in Mikal Bridges to bolster their roster. This acquisition, alongside the establishment of Brunson as the team captain, shows a franchise committed to rekindling its championship aspirations. According to Frazier, Brunson shares several similarities with Knicks legend Willis Reed: "I did a video—I wasn't able to be at the induction when he was inducted as the captain—I told him, he reminds me a lot of Willis Reed. They're both lefties, they both have tenacious work ethic, they're always sharing and caring, and team-first concept. They're always thinking of the team, not themselves."
Frazier sees signs of potential greatness in this current Knicks roster, drawing parallels to the championship teams of the past. "I see the vibes. I see a lot of similarities with [our] championship teams, starting with the coach. [Tom Thibodeau] is a lot like Red Holzman. He holds the guys accountable, and they're defensive oriented, and the players actually like each other," said Frazier.
Indeed, under head coach Tom Thibodeau’s leadership, the Knicks have cultivated a strong defensive identity, reminiscent of the days when Red Holzman led the team. Frazier believes in the current squad's ability to rise to the occasion, even under the weight of New York's high expectations. "We know, in this town, the expectations are always overwhelming, so to rise to the occasion his first two years and accept the challenge, catapulting the team, he's definitely got a chance to be one of the greatest Knicks ever, if not the greatest Knick ever," Frazier commented.
However, the journey back to the top will not be without its challenges. It has been 24 years since their last appearance in the Eastern Conference finals and a quarter-century since their last Finals appearance. Despite these long droughts, optimism abounds within the franchise. "I think this is going to be our year," Frazier proclaimed. "Obviously, health is going to play a big factor into it. But if the Knicks can stay healthy, I think we can get back to our former grandeur."
The road ahead for the Knicks is paved with both promise and potential pitfalls. With key players like Jalen Brunson leading by example, and strategic additions such as Mikal Bridges, the team is well-positioned to make a significant impact. As the echoes of past championships ring louder, the hopes for a brighter, championship-filled future grow ever stronger.
The resilience of the team and the anticipation of the fans set the stage for what could be a defining season. The Knicks' faithful can only hope that this journey leads them back to the pinnacle of NBA success, ending a five-decade-long wait for the ultimate glory.