It has been 51 long years since the New York Knicks last hoisted the NBA Championship trophy, a feat orchestrated by the legendary Hall of Famer, Walt "Clyde" Frazier. Now analyzing games from a commentator's booth, Frazier reflects on the echoes of that triumphant era as he watches the current Knicks squad's resurgence.
The 1973 Knicks, with Frazier at the helm, represented the pinnacle of basketball excellence. Fast forward to today, Frazier can't help but draw parallels between his championship team and the Knicks' 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 observed.
The Knicks are coming off a notable season, one where they won 50 games for the first time since 2013 and reached the second round of the playoffs, pushing the Indiana Pacers to a grueling seven-game series. This success has rekindled hopes of a long-awaited return to the Eastern Conference finals after a 24-year hiatus and potentially their first Finals appearance in a quarter-century.
A key figure in this roster is Jalen Brunson, who posted career-high averages of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists last season. His remarkable performance on the court earned him the honor of being inducted as the team captain, a role Frazier wholeheartedly supports. "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 praised.
Brunson's tenacity and leadership qualities remind Frazier of 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 reminisced.
In addition to Brunson’s contributions, the Knicks have bolstered their lineup by acquiring Mikal Bridges during the summer. Bridges’ addition adds depth to a team already buzzing with potential and solidifies their ambitions to reclaim past glories.
Frazier, ever insightful and optimistic, believes that the upcoming season could be a breakthrough moment for the franchise. "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," he asserted.
Drawing from a rich history and enduring spirit, the New York Knicks are poised at the cusp of a new era. Led by a combination of veteran experience and youthful vigor, supported by a coaching philosophy reminiscent of their championship past, the stage is set for a thrilling season. With icons like Frazier watching from the sidelines, offering wisdom and encouragement, the hopes of a city rest on the potential of a team driven by camaraderie and an unwavering resolve to succeed.