It has been 51 years since the New York Knicks last claimed the NBA Championship trophy, but the enduring spirit of that victorious 1973 team, led by Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier, remains etched in the hearts of fans. Frazier, who now serves as a television analyst for the Knicks, reflects on a storied past while casting an optimistic eye toward the future.
Frazier noted, "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." This glowing assessment comes after a season where the Knicks demonstrated their potential by reaching the second round of the playoffs and pushing the Indiana Pacers to seven games.
The previous season's success can be attributed in part to Jalen Brunson, who averaged career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists. Brunson was not only a statistical leader but also a pivotal figure in the locker room, earning the honor of team captain. Frazier draws comparisons between Brunson and another Knicks legend, Willis Reed, both for their left-handed play and tenacious work ethic. "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 remarked.
The Knicks have shown significant improvement, winning 50 games last season for the first time since 2013. This resurgence in performance has rekindled fan enthusiasm, buoyed by the acquisition of Mikal Bridges over the summer. Bridges is expected to fill vital roles both offensively and defensively, adding a dynamic layer to the team’s strategy.
Despite last season's achievements, the Knicks are still haunted by two long-standing droughts. It has been 24 years since their last appearance in the Eastern Conference finals and a quarter-century since they last made it to the NBA Finals. Nevertheless, the atmosphere around the team suggests a bright future. Frazier remains hopeful: "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."
The balance between maintaining the rich history of the franchise and striving for modern success is a delicate one. The pressure is ever-present in a city where expectations run high. Frazier acknowledged this, stating, "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 legacy of players like Frazier and Reed sets a high bar, but it’s clear that the current squad is up for the challenge. With a strong foundation, an acclaimed coach in Tom Thibodeau, and emerging leaders like Brunson, the Knicks have all the pieces to craft a new chapter of success.
As the new season approaches, the air in Madison Square Garden brims with anticipation. Fans, long-starved of the victory parades of yesteryear, watch keenly, hoping that this mix of youthful promise and veteran wisdom will finally deliver the long-awaited championship. For the Knicks, the journey to reclaiming their former glory continues, one game at a time.