It's been a gruelling 51 years since the New York Knicks last claimed NBA championship glory, a storied journey filled with hopes, rebuilds, and near-misses. The ghosts of the 1973 title-winning team, led by the iconic Walt "Clyde" Frazier, linger in the rafters of Madison Square Garden, a constant reminder of the greatness once achieved.
Walt Frazier, now a revered television analyst for the Knicks, has been a consistent voice narrating the highs and lows of the team. Reflecting on the current squad, Frazier draws intriguing parallels between now and then. "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."
Indeed, the Knicks have shown signs of resurgence. They are fresh off a season where they battled their way to the second round of the playoffs, pushing the Indiana Pacers to a decisive seven-game series. Spearheading this run was Jalen Brunson, who posted career-high averages of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game. Brunson's extraordinary season had fans reminiscing about past Knicks legends, including Frazier himself.
Brunson's impact extends beyond mere statistics. His leadership was cemented when he was inducted as the team captain, a role steeped in tradition and responsibility. Frazier, who has seen countless players don the Knicks jersey, reserves high praise for Brunson. "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."
The recent addition of Mikal Bridges during the summer has momentarily shifted some attention, but it’s Brunson’s relentless dedication and team-first ethos that have set the tone for the squad. In fact, Frazier notably compares Brunson 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."
The Knicks' achievements last season, winning 50 games for the first time since 2013, signal a tangible shift. It’s been 24 long years since their last appearance in the Eastern Conference finals, and even longer — a quarter-century — since their last Finals appearance. Yet, there’s a growing belief within the organization and its loyal fan base that the tide is turning.
Frazier, whose voice is woven into the fabric of Knicks history, captures this sentiment with a blend of optimism and nostalgia. "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 Knicks navigate the challenges of an ever-competitive NBA landscape, the lessons from their storied past serve as both a guide and inspiration. With Thibodeau at the helm, echoing Red Holzman’s championship-winning philosophy, and players like Brunson and Bridges leading on the court, there’s a palpable sense that the Knicks are on the brink of something special.
For the fans, many of whom have waited a lifetime for the resurgence of their team, the upcoming season holds promise. The echoes of former championships and the voices of legends like Frazier remind them that greatness is within grasp. With the right mix of talent, leadership, and a bit of luck, the New York Knicks might just find their way back to the pinnacle of the basketball world.