It's been five decades since the New York Knicks last basked in the glory of an NBA Championship. The 1973 Knicks, led by the legendary Walt "Clyde" Frazier, have long been the benchmark of success for the franchise. Today, Frazier serves as a television analyst for the team, bringing his decades of expertise and insight to the current generation of Knicks fans.
Rekindling the Glory Days
The Knicks recently completed a season that rekindled memories of past triumphs. The team managed to secure 50 wins, marking the first time they've reached this milestone since 2013. Their impressive run saw them advance to the second round of the playoffs, where they pushed the Indiana Pacers to a demanding seven games. This resurgence has not gone unnoticed, especially by Frazier, who sees echoes of his championship team in the current roster.
"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, drawing a parallel between Thibodeau's approach and that of his former coach.
The Emergence of Jalen Brunson
A key figure in the Knicks' recent success story is Jalen Brunson. Brunson, who now holds the role of team captain, posted career-high averages of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists last season. His meteoric rise on the court has earned high praise from the Knicks' faithful and former legends alike.
"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 commented.
Frazier draws particularly striking comparisons 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," said Frazier.
New Additions and Renewed Hope
In their quest to return to their former grandeur, the Knicks have not been idle during the offseason. The acquisition of Mikal Bridges is a significant move aimed at bolstering the team's dynamics. Their strategy and recent performance have lent credence to Frazier's optimistic outlook.
"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 expressed.
Having not seen the Eastern Conference finals for 24 years, and with a quarter-century elapsing since their last Finals appearance, the expectations in New York are sky-high. Yet, with promising young talent and seasoned leadership both on the court and the sidelines, the dream of ending the long championship drought seems more plausible than ever.
Knicks Community and Culture
The Knicks' culture today echoes that of their championship past. Under Thibodeau's guidance, the team emphasizes accountability, defense, and camaraderie, all hallmarks of successful squads. These qualities are essential in navigating the trials of an NBA season and stand as testament to a collective commitment to excellence.
The recent seasons have fostered a renewed sense of hope among the Knicks' community. Each game serves as a reminder of the rich history and the potential for a triumphant future. The tenets of hard work, team-first mentality, and a passion for the game resonate through the halls of Madison Square Garden, inspiring both players and fans.
As the new season approaches, the excitement in the air is palpable. The Knicks stand poised to make a deep playoff run and perhaps, with a bit of the luck and health that Frazier mentions, rewrite the script of their storied franchise.