It's been 51 long years since the New York Knicks last hoisted the NBA Championship trophy, but the current season brings a renewed sense of hope and ambition to the iconic franchise. The storied 1973 championship team was led by Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier, a central figure in the team’s rich history. Frazier, who now serves as a television analyst for the Knicks, sees striking similarities between that celebrated squad and 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 remarked. Indeed, the defensive grit and camaraderie Thibodeau has instilled have brought the Knicks to prominence in recent seasons.
Last season, the Knicks showed significant promise by reaching the second round of the playoffs, taking the Indiana Pacers to seven games. Their journey was buoyed by Jalen Brunson, who averaged career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game, a performance that solidified his role as the team leader. Recognizing his tenacity and leadership, the Knicks inducted Brunson as the team captain, a role once held by the legendary Willis Reed. Frazier noted the similarities between Reed and Brunson, saying, "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."
For the first time since 2013, the Knicks managed to win 50 games last season, an achievement that has boosted the confidence of both the team and its fervent fan base. This offseason, the Knicks further strengthened their roster by acquiring Mikal Bridges, a move aimed at enhancing their playoff prospects.
The Knicks' roster improvements and their performance over the past season have raised expectations considerably.
The challenge ahead is formidable. The franchise has not appeared in the Eastern Conference finals for 24 years, nor have they reached the NBA Finals in 25 years. Yet, with Frazier's optimistic outlook and the vital additions to their lineup, it is clear that the Knicks are gearing up for a serious run. "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 mused.
Frazier's insights carry considerable weight. As someone who has seen and been a part of the glory days of the Knicks, his comparisons between past and present give fans a reason to believe. He highlighted the importance of leadership and commitment, emphasizing that Brunson's acceptance of the captaincy challenges and his ability to rise to local expectations could chart a path to greatness. "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 stated.
The upcoming season will undoubtedly be a test of the Knicks' mettle and ambition. How they navigate the pressures and the fierce competition in the Eastern Conference will determine their fate. But with the combination of experienced leadership, promising new talent, and a renewed sense of direction, the Knicks might just be on the brink of something special. As the games unfold, one thing is certain: Knicks fans will be watching, hoping, and cheering for a return to the championship glory of yesteryears.