The long wait for the New York Knicks next elusive championship may be coming to an end according to team legend Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier, saying he is ‘very optimistic’ that this is the group to achieve the feat.
It’s been over 50 years since Frazier helped the Knicks to their last NBA Championship in 1973 in his prime. It was the second of the franchise’s league titles with the chase for their third taking place ever since.
Frazier shared his vision for New York’s championship drought to end while speaking at FanDuel’s Run It Back Tip Off Experience on Tuesday night from the iconic Gaucho Gym in The Bronx.
‘I always say if we can stay healthy, I like our chances against anybody,’ Frazier said. ‘Overall, I’m very optimistic and hopefully the Knicks can get back to our former brand.’
The Knicks are one of the cornerstone franchises of the NBA, but have not made an NBA Finals appearance in 25 years.
Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier gave his verdict on this year’s Knicks team at a FanDuel event in New York
New York acquired Karl-Anthony Towns from the Timberwolves with championship hopes
The Knicks did fall on the opening night of the NBA season to the defending-champion Boston Celtics 132-109, marking the New York debut for Karl-Anthony Towns, the team’s massive offseason acquisition.
Like many in the Tri-State Area, Frazier said he was ‘flabbergasted’ by trading away Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo for Towns.
‘But since he’s there, we improved,’ Frazier said. ‘A guy that can open up the court. He should help (Jalen) Brunson.’
Frazier has stayed connected with the Knicks since he retired from the NBA in 1979 as a longtime color commentator for the team’s television broadcasts on MSG Network.
He’s loved how New York has embraced Brunson as the franchise’s next legend and truly believes he can be the catalyst for the Knicks’ next championship.
‘He’s exceeded all expectations that we had for him,’ Frazier said of Brunson. ‘And hopefully he can continue to astound and score and dish and propel them to a championship.’
‘He’s the the guy they’ve been looking for since Clyde!’
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