It's been 51 long years since the New York Knicks last hoisted the NBA Championship trophy. The 1973 team, led by Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier, remains etched in the memories of Knicks fans. Today, Frazier, now a television analyst for the team, draws a parallel between that legendary squad and the current roster that is showing promise and tenacity.
Reflecting on the team’s recent progress, 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."
The Knicks are fresh off a season where they managed to advance to the second round of the playoffs, pushing the Indiana Pacers to a grueling seven-game series. Led by the indomitable Jalen Brunson, who averaged career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists, the Knicks reached the 50-win mark for the first time since 2013.
A New Era of Hope
During the summer, the team made a significant move by acquiring Mikal Bridges, bolstering an already formidable lineup. This acquisition has fans buzzing with anticipation, especially as the team aims to break a long-standing drought from the Eastern Conference finals, a stage they last reached 24 years ago, and the NBA Finals, where their last appearance was a quarter-century ago.
Adding to the optimism is Brunson's recent induction as the team captain, a role he seems well-suited for, given his tenacious work ethic and team-first mentality. "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 commented, highlighting the similarities between Brunson and the Knicks' revered legend, Willis Reed.
Indeed, Brunson's journey with the Knicks has been nothing short of impressive. Frazier acknowledged the immense pressure and scrutiny that comes with playing in New York. "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 Road Ahead
Despite the undeniable momentum and individual accolades, Frazier rightly points out that health will be a critical factor in the Knicks' success this season. "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 Knicks' storied history and Frazier's glowing remarks about the current team have injected a renewed sense of hope among the loyal fanbase. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how this team, under Thibodeau's disciplined leadership, navigates the challenges ahead. There's a collective yearning to see the Knicks revive their past glory, and with players like Brunson and Bridges stepping up, that dream seems within reach.
The echoes of the 1973 Championship team can be heard resonating through the corridors of Madison Square Garden, fueled by the confidence and camaraderie that have become the hallmarks of this new era. Whether this year will mark the end of the Knicks' championship drought remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the spirit of 1973 is alive and well, embodied by a team that is ready to rewrite history.