It's been a staggering 51 years since the New York Knicks last celebrated an NBA Championship, a drought that echoes through the decades and continues to haunt the franchise. The last time the Knicks basked in championship glory was in 1973, thanks to the leadership of Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier. Frazier, now a television analyst for the Knicks, holds a wealth of experience and perspective on the team’s enduring quest for success.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks have shown a glimmer of their former grandeur, advancing to the second round of the playoffs last season. They pushed the Indiana Pacers to a grueling seven-game series, a testament to their competitive spirit. One standout in this resurgence has been Jalen Brunson, who posted career highs with an impressive 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game.
The Knicks' 50-win milestone last season was their first since 2013, signaling a potential revival. Buoyed by this achievement, the team bolstered their roster over the summer by acquiring Mikal Bridges, adding more firepower to their lineup as they look to make a deeper playoff run. This comes on the back of a long wait—not just for championships, but for significant playoff progress. It has been 24 years since their last appearance in the Eastern Conference finals and a quarter-century since their last NBA Finals appearance.
Frazier sees echoes of the past in the current squad, particularly under Thibodeau's leadership. "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," Frazier observed. Such camaraderie and discipline are crucial in the grueling NBA season, where the fine margins can make the difference between success and failure.
Health remains a big concern, but Frazier believes this team has the potential to turn the tide. "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 noted. Indeed, staying injury-free has often been the Achilles' heel for many an aspiring challenger.
The high expectations in New York are no secret, and Brunson has not shied away from them. "We know, in this town, the expectations are always overwhelming," Frazier said. "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." Brunson’s induction as the team captain is a significant vote of confidence from the organization, further solidifying his role as a central figure in the Knicks' aspirations.
Frazier himself sees qualities in Brunson that harken back to another 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," Frazier said. "They're always thinking of the team, not themselves." Such praise from a Knicks icon is not given lightly and speaks volumes about Brunson's character and potential.
The upcoming season promises to be one filled with intrigue and high stakes for the Knicks. With a blend of young talent, seasoned leadership, and renewed team spirit, the longstanding dream of bringing an NBA Championship back to New York might just edge a bit closer to reality. Under Thibodeau’s stern yet nurturing guidance, and with the influence of veterans like Frazier in the wings, the team is positioned to take significant strides.