It's been 51 long years since the New York Knicks last hoisted the NBA Championship trophy. The 1973 team, led by Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier, etched their names in the annals of history with their formidable play. Fast forward to today, Frazier is now a television analyst for the Knicks, observing from the broadcast booth as the team seeks to restore its former glory.
The Knicks are coming off a season where they made a valiant run to the second round of the playoffs. They battled fiercely, pushing the Indiana Pacers to seven games. Led by Jalen Brunson, who averaged career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists, the team won 50 games last season, a milestone they hadn’t achieved since 2013.
During the summer, the Knicks further bolstered their roster by acquiring Mikal Bridges. This move has reignited hopes of advancing deeper into the postseason, a place the team hasn’t been in 24 years, since their last appearance in the Eastern Conference finals. Indeed, it's been a quarter-century since their last Finals appearance.
Frazier's Optimism for the Future
Reflecting on the current trajectory, Frazier has noted similarities between this squad and the 1973 championship team. "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 remarked. This comparison to coach Red Holzman, who led the Knicks to two championships, is high praise and suggests a renewed optimism within the franchise.
Frazier's belief in the current team is palpable. "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 said. His words capture the cautious optimism shared by many fans, hinging on the team's ability to stay healthy and perform consistently.
The Rise of Jalen Brunson
At the heart of this rejuvenated Knicks team is Jalen Brunson. Brunson's leadership on and off the court has not gone unnoticed. His remarkable performance last season earned him the role of team captain, a title once held by Knicks legend Willis Reed. The similarities between Brunson and Reed have not escaped Frazier's notice. "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.
Brunson, with his tenacious work ethic and selfless play, embodies the spirit of the Knicks’ greats. "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, setting a high bar for the young star.
Looking Ahead
As the Knicks prepare for the new season, the addition of Mikal Bridges and the leadership of Jalen Brunson are pivotal elements in their quest to reclaim championship status. The team’s recent achievements and the rich history that backs them create a sense of anticipation and excitement. With guidance from veterans like Frazier and a commitment to teamwork and resilience, the Knicks may well be on their way to ending their half-century title drought.
The journey ahead is laden with challenges, but the echoes of past glories and the promise of the present ignite hope. Frazier's faith, underscored by his comparison to the championship teams of old, sets a hopeful tone for what lies ahead for the New York Knicks.