It's been a prolonged drought for the New York Knicks, with 51 long years passing since their last NBA Championship trophy. As the Knicks continue their quest to recapture the glory of 1973, hopes are pinned on a new generation of players and leadership.
The legendary 1973 Knicks team, spearheaded by Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier, remains a benchmark of success. Today, Frazier continues to influence the franchise, not from the hardwood but from the broadcast booth as a television analyst. His deep-rooted connection to the Knicks offers invaluable insights and compares the current roster to past champions.
"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 noted. Such endorsements highlight the optimism surrounding the Knicks' prospects.
Coming off a season that saw them advance to the second round of the playoffs, the Knicks appear to be on an upward trajectory. They battled the Indiana Pacers fiercely, taking the series to seven games—a testament to their grit and tenacity. A significant part of this resurgence is credited to Jalen Brunson, who notched career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists last season.
Brunson's work ethic and leadership were recognized, with the player being inducted as the team's captain. Frazier drew a compelling parallel between Brunson and 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. They're always thinking of the team, not themselves," Frazier reflected.
Last season, the Knicks recorded 50 wins—an achievement they hadn’t reached since 2013. Frazier expressed confidence in this squad's potential to rise to greatness, emphasizing the critical role of health in their journey. "I think this is going to be our year. Obviously, health is going to play a big factor in it. But if the Knicks can stay healthy, I think we can get back to our former grandeur," he stated.
This summer, the team's front office made strategic moves to bolster their lineup, notably acquiring Mikal Bridges. This addition aims to solidify their defense and add another scoring option to their arsenal. The Knicks' recent performance and acquisitions signal a team determined to end its 24-year absence from the Eastern Conference finals and its quarter-century hiatus from the NBA Finals.
The narrative of this Knicks team is one of cautious optimism, underscored by a rich history and the enduring figures who shaped it. With Frazier drawing parallels between past and present, and a promising roster led by game-changer Jalen Brunson, the anticipation is palpable. "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 said.
As the new season approaches, the blend of historical reverence and future aspirations makes for a compelling story. The Knicks’ faithful will be watching eagerly, hoping that this mix of old-school ethos and modern-day talent will finally bring a championship back to New York.