It's been a long and arduous 51 years since the New York Knicks last lifted the NBA Championship trophy. The 1973 team, led by Hall of Fame guard Walt "Clyde" Frazier, remains etched in the annals of basketball lore. Today, Frazier serves as a television analyst for the Knicks, but he continues to keep a close eye on his beloved franchise. And according to him, there might be light at the end of this half-century-long tunnel.
"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 notes with a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
A Season of Hope
The Knicks are coming off a formidable season where they not only reached the second round of the playoffs but also gave the Indiana Pacers a run for their money, pushing the series to a full seven games. It marked their deepest playoff run in years and fostered a sense of optimism around the team.
Jalen Brunson, the newly inducted captain, was instrumental in this resurgence. Averaging career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists, Brunson's performance was nothing short of stellar. His tenacious work ethic and team-first mentality have drawn favorable comparisons from Frazier, who stated, "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."
A New Addition
This summer, the Knicks made a significant move by acquiring Mikal Bridges, adding more firepower and versatility to their lineup. With this acquisition, the team is aiming to build on their momentum from last season, where they won 50 games for the first time since 2013. As Frazier mentioned, the chemistry and mutual respect among the players are palpable, elements that he believes are reminiscent of the championship teams he played on.
The Legacy Connection
Brunson's induction as the team captain marks a significant milestone. Frazier sees shades of another Knicks legend in him. "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."
As the Knicks gear up for another season, the hope is that their achievements last year were not just a flash in the pan. After a quarter-century devoid of an Eastern Conference finals appearance and 24 years since their last Finals berth, the franchise and its fans are yearning for a return to glory.
A Veteran's Optimism
Frazier maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook. "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."
In a sport and city where expectations are perpetually overwhelming, the current roster appears to be built differently. With a blend of youthful exuberance and veteran leadership, complemented by a coach who demands accountability and prioritizes defense, the Knicks are positioning themselves for a potential breakthrough.
Only time will tell if the New York Knicks can finally end their 51-year championship drought, but one thing is clear: there is a tangible belief and sense of possibility surrounding this team that hasn’t been felt in decades.