A Knicks Revival in the Making?
It's been 51 long years since the New York Knicks last hoisted the NBA Championship trophy. The 1973 team was a sight to behold, led by Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier, who now serves as a television analyst for the team. The echoes of their past glory, however, seem to be resonating with the present-day squad.
The Knicks are coming off a season that reignited hope among their fanbase. They reached the second round of the playoffs and took the Indiana Pacers to seven games, displaying a tenacity reminiscent of their championship teams. This renewed vigor saw them securing 50 wins last season, a milestone they had not reached since 2013.
Central to this resurgence is Jalen Brunson, who posted career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists last season. His performance has not only earned him the captaincy but also comparisons to some of the Knicks’ all-time greats. "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," remarked Frazier, drawing parallels between the current squad and the icons of the past.
This optimism isn’t solely based on nostalgia. Over the summer, the Knicks made a strategic acquisition by bringing Mikal Bridges into the fold. Bridges, known for his defensive prowess, is expected to fortify the team's lineup, adding further depth and versatility.
It has been 24 years since their last appearance in the Eastern Conference finals and a quarter-century since their last Finals appearance. But Frazier believes that drought could soon end. "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 stated, underlining the importance of maintaining player wellness throughout the grueling NBA season.
Brunson's impact extends beyond his on-court performance. His leadership qualities and work ethic have drawn comparisons to 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 shared, highlighting Brunson’s dedication to the team.
Frazier's endorsement carries weight, given his firsthand experience of what it takes to bring a championship to New York. The current roster, under the stewardship of Coach Tom Thibodeau, seems to possess the critical blend of skill, camaraderie, and defensive discipline. "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 of Brunson.
As the new season looms, the sense of anticipation in New York is palpable. With a mix of seasoned veterans, promising new talent, and a captain determined to lead by example, the Knicks are poised to embark on a campaign that could return them to basketball's loftiest heights. Knicks fans can see the flickers of hope—a potential renaissance—led by a team that Frazier himself finds reminiscent of his own legendary squad.