It's been a long and winding road for New York Knicks fans, who have endured 51 years of waiting since the franchise last hoisted the NBA Championship trophy. The 1973 team, led by Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier, remains etched in the memories of many as the epitome of Knicks greatness. Frazier, who is now a television analyst for the team, continues to be an influential figure, offering insights and drawing parallels between the past and the present.
Knicks' Recent Playoff Performance
Coming off a commendable season where they reached the second round of the playoffs, the Knicks took the Indiana Pacers to the brink in a grueling seven-game series. The buzz around the team is palpable, not just because of their playoff run, but also due to their ability to win 50 games — a feat they last achieved in 2013. This resurgence has ignited hope and excitement among the fanbase, who are eager to see their team reclaim its former grandeur.
The Jalen Brunson Effect
Central to the Knicks' recent success is Jalen Brunson. Averaging career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists last season, Brunson has emerged as the heart and soul of the team. His leadership and performance on the court were further cemented when he was inducted as the team captain. In Frazier's words, “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.”
A Nod to the Past
Frazier sees a lot of promise in the current Knicks squad. Drawing comparisons to his championship days, he notes, “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.” It’s clear that the spirit of camaraderie and a strong defensive mindset are key components in the Knicks' current strategy.
New Acquisitions and Future Prospects
Adding to the team's depth and versatility, the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges over the summer. This strategic move is expected to bolster their chances in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference. Notably, it has been 24 years since their last appearance in the Eastern Conference finals and a quarter-century since their final shot at the NBA Finals. The hunger for success is evident, and the pieces are being meticulously put in place to make a deep playoff run.
Shared Values and Dedication
Frazier, who remains an iconic figure in Knicks history, has high praise for Brunson, likening him 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. They’re always thinking of the team, not themselves.” This high accolade underlines Brunson's role as more than just a star player; he embodies the values that the franchise holds dear.
A Glimpse of Hope
While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, the optimism surrounding the Knicks is unmistakable. Frazier's sentiment captures the collective hope: “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.” As the new season approaches, the fervent support of Knicks fans will undoubtedly be matched by the team’s determination to etch their names in the annals of NBA history once more.