It's been 51 years since the New York Knicks last hoisted the NBA Championship trophy, a drought that's both storied and agonizing for one of basketball’s most passionate fan bases. Back in 1973, the team was led by legendary Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier, who has since transitioned into the role of television analyst for the Knicks.
The Knicks have had their share of peaks and valleys, but there's a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the team. Coming off a season where they reached the second round of the playoffs, the Knicks showed grit by taking the Indiana Pacers to seven grueling games. That journey was marked by Jalen Brunson's stellar performance, as he averaged career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists. Brunson's efforts helped the team notch 50 wins for the first time since 2013, a significant milestone for a franchise longing for success.
During the summer, the Knicks made a key acquisition in Mikal Bridges, bolstering their roster with hopes of reclaiming their former glory. The last 24 years have seen the Knicks absent from the Eastern Conference finals, while their last NBA Finals appearance now dates back a quarter-century. Despite these challenges, there’s a sense of anticipation and belief among fans and players alike, inspired by the leadership of head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Walt "Clyde" Frazier, who knows a thing or two about championships, sees striking similarities between his championship teams and the current squad. "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," enthused Frazier. Such high praise underscores the synergy and camaraderie that could be the key to ending the long championship drought.
Jalen Brunson, now the team captain, has emerged as a foundational piece for the Knicks. Frazier was effusive in his praise for the young star, comparing him to legendary Knicks center 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 said. Such a comparison isn't handed out lightly and speaks volumes about Brunson's character and capabilities.
The stakes are always high in New York, where the expectations for the Knicks are perpetually overwhelming. Frazier acknowledges this challenge but also sees it as an opportunity for Brunson to etch his name in Knicks lore. "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 remarked.
As the new season approaches, the Knicks' faithful find themselves daring to dream once again. With a roster bolstered by strategic acquisitions and led by a determined captain in Brunson, the Knicks might just have the right mix to make a deep postseason run. Frazier’s optimism is infectious. "I think this is going to be our year. 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," he proclaimed.
The echoes of past glories serve as both a reminder and a motivator for the current squad. As the Knicks prepare for another campaign, the blend of historical reverence and contemporary ambition creates a potent mix that could finally turn the tide for this storied franchise. For Knicks fans, long-starved of success, the dawn of a new era might just be on the horizon.