It's been 51 years since the New York Knicks last raised the coveted NBA Championship trophy, a drought that has left a deep yearning among one of the league's most passionate fanbases. The 1973 team, immortalized by its grit and talent, was led by Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier, who now provides analysis for the Knicks on television.
The most recent season offered glimpses of hope, as the Knicks reached the second round of the playoffs, pushing the Indiana Pacers to a grueling seven-game series. Leading the charge was Jalen Brunson, who posted career-high averages of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game. Brunson's performance was instrumental in helping the Knicks secure 50 victories during the regular season, a mark they hadn't reached since 2013.
A New Era with Familiar Vibes
Among those closely watching the Knicks' resurgence is Frazier himself. "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.
Brunson's ascent has also caught Frazier's eye. The former champion didn't hold back his admiration. "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 commented.
Adding New Firepower
This offseason, New York reinforced its roster with the acquisition of Mikal Bridges. The move signals the team's intent to make a deep playoff run, an ambition that has eluded them for nearly a quarter-century since their last appearance in the Eastern Conference finals, and even longer since their last Finals appearance.
Brunson's leadership has been formally recognized, as he was inducted as the team captain. Frazier, ever the student of the game, drew historical parallels, noting, "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."
Expectations and Optimism
The expectations in New York are as high as ever. As Frazier rightly pointed out, "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 narrative surrounding the Knicks is one of cautious optimism, a blend of historical reverence and contemporary ambition. Brunson embodies this ethos with his relentless work ethic and team-first mentality, providing the grit and leadership reminiscent of past Knicks legends. The challenge remains, however, to translate this potential into tangible success — a task that Brunson, alongside coach Thibodeau and new teammate Bridges, appears ready to undertake.
As the new season approaches, the echoes of 1973 reverberate through the halls of Madison Square Garden. The city waits with bated breath, hoping that this iteration of the Knicks can finally bridge the gap between history and an elusive future championship.