It's been a long drought for the New York Knicks, who haven't clinched an NBA Championship in 51 years. The storied franchise's last title came under the leadership of Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier, now a beloved television analyst for the team. Reflecting on the glory days, Frazier sees glimmers of hope in 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," says Frazier, drawing parallels between the two eras. This optimistic view is buoyed by the Knicks' recent performance, reaching the second round of the playoffs and taking the Indiana Pacers to a hard-fought seven games series.
Jalen Brunson's Ascendancy
A significant contributor to the Knicks' recent success has been Jalen Brunson, who averaged career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists last season. His leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed, culminating in his induction as the team's captain. Frazier praises Brunson's tenacity and unselfish play, likening him to another Knicks legend, Willis Reed.
"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 recalls warmly.
Revival of Hope
The Knicks bagged 50 wins last season, the first time they've hit that mark since 2013. This resurgence has injected new life and optimism into a fanbase that has been yearning for a return to the upper echelons of the NBA for decades. The team's playoff run and Brunson's exceptional season are rekindling memories of past greatness.
Frazier isn't alone in his optimism. The addition of Mikal Bridges during the summer adds another layer of depth to a team desperate for a breakthrough. "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 speculates.
Navigating High Expectations
Pressure in New York is nothing new, and Frazier is keenly aware of the looming expectations. "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," he says about Brunson.
Road to Revival
The road ahead is fraught with challenges. It has been a quarter-century since the Knicks last appeared in the NBA Finals, and it has been 24 years since their most recent appearance in the Eastern Conference finals. Yet, the current blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned leadership offers a tangible sense of possibility.
Frazier's endorsement doesn't come lightly. His words resonate with those who remember the golden years and believe that with the right mix of talent, determination, and perhaps a bit of luck, the Knicks can once again climb the mountain to NBA supremacy.
The 2023-24 NBA season will undoubtedly be a crucial one for the Knicks. With a robust roster spearheaded by Brunson and strategic acumen from Thibodeau, the team aims to convert promising potential into lasting success. For Knicks fans, the echoes of '73 offer a hopeful reminder that while past triumphs are cherished, the future is ripe for new legends to be written.