It's been a long 51 years since the New York Knicks last controlled the NBA finals, and the iconic 1973 team, led by Hall of Fame guard Walt "Clyde" Frazier, delivered the franchise's most recent championship moment. Today, Frazier takes on a different role as a television analyst for the team and offers a beacon of hope for Knicks fans yearning for another title run.
Reflecting on the previous season, the Knicks made significant strides by reaching the second round of the playoffs. They engaged in a fierce battle against the Indiana Pacers, ultimately pushing the series to a decisive seventh game. Critical to their success was the remarkable performance of Jalen Brunson, who posted career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game. This effort also marked the first time the Knicks achieved a 50-win season since 2013.
Over the summer, the Knicks strengthened their roster by acquiring Mikal Bridges, aiming to upgrade their chances in an ever-competitive Eastern Conference. This move was significant, given that it’s been 24 years since their last appearance in the Eastern Conference finals and a quarter-century since their last Finals appearance.
Brunson's Leadership and Work Ethic
Jalen Brunson's leadership has been instrumental for the Knicks, evidenced by his induction as the team’s captain. Frazier sees parallels between Brunson and Knicks legend Willis Reed, both noted for their relentless work ethic and team-first mentality. "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 mentioned.
Frazier's Vivid Comparisons
One of the greatest compliments Frazier can provide stems from his comparison of current Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau to the venerable Red Holzman, who guided the Knicks to their championship victories. "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.
Hope for a Bright Future
Despite the looming pressures and high expectations inherent in playing in New York, Frazier remains optimistic about the Knicks' prospects. "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," Frazier said with hopeful conviction.
This unwavering belief in the team's potential extends beyond the immediate future, as he envisions Jalen Brunson cementing his legacy within the franchise. "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 opined.
Conclusion
As the Knicks prepare for the upcoming season, the echoes of past glory and the promise of future success reverberate through Madison Square Garden. While the road to an NBA Championship is fraught with challenges, the combination of veteran oversight from legends like Frazier, strategic acquisitions like Bridges, and leadership from burgeoning stars like Brunson offer a tantalizing glimpse into what could be a renaissance era for this storied franchise. Knicks fans can only hope that this blend of talent and tenacity will finally restore the team to the pinnacle of NBA excellence.