It has been a long wait — 51 years to be exact — since the New York Knicks last tasted the sweet victory of an NBA Championship. The 1973 team, led by the legendary Walt "Clyde" Frazier, still lingers in the memories of old fans and the lore of a storied franchise. Currently serving as a television analyst for the Knicks, Frazier remains an authoritative voice on the team’s past and present.
Reflecting on the Knicks' recent performance, Frazier sees promising parallels with the historic championship teams. "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," he noted.
Last season was a hopeful one for the Knicks, who posted a significant achievement by winning 50 games for the first time since 2013. They fought their way to the second round of the playoffs, taking the Indiana Pacers to a thrilling seven-game series. One of the standout performances came from Jalen Brunson, who averaged career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists, solidifying his role as a central figure on the team.
A New Era with Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson’s ascension in the Knicks hierarchy was marked by his induction as the team captain. This is a role that brings additional responsibilities and expectations, but Brunson seems more than equipped to handle the pressure. "We know, in this town, the expectations are always overwhelming," Frazier said. "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 sees a lot of Willis Reed in Brunson. "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 added.
Building on Last Season's Momentum
The Knicks enter the new season with renewed vigor, expecting to build off last season's momentum. The acquisition of Mikal Bridges during the summer has only fueled the optimism surrounding the team. Bridges brings defensive prowess and versatility, adding much-needed depth to the roster. This strategic addition signals the Knicks’ commitment to return to their former grandeur, a sentiment Frazier shares vocally. "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," said Frazier.
It has been 24 years since the Knicks appeared in the Eastern Conference finals and a quarter-century since their last Finals appearance. Still, the ambitions surrounding the team are higher than they have been in decades. With the right blend of veteran experience and youthful exuberance, the Knicks have set their sights on not just making the playoffs but making a deep run.
High Hopes and Heavy Expectations
The pressure in New York is undeniably immense. Fans are perpetually hopeful yet demanding, expecting nothing short of excellence. This is something the team is acutely aware of, and they are bracing themselves for the challenge. “In this town, the expectations are always overwhelming,” Frazier remarked, capturing the complex love-hate relationship the city has with its sports teams.
As the new season looms, all eyes will be on how the Knicks handle these expansive expectations. Can they shake off the weight of history and finally reclaim their spot at the pinnacle of basketball excellence? With Frazier’s endorsement, the team's newfound chemistry, and Brunson's emerging leadership, the pieces seem to be falling into place.
In a city that feeds off its sports energy, the New York Knicks are aiming to inject a new chapter into their rich history. Whether they’ll hoist the NBA Championship trophy again remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the journey will be nothing short of captivating.