Walt Frazier on current Knicks: 'I see a lot of similarities with our championship teams'

Hall of Famer led the Knicks to their only two titles in 1970 and 1973

By Jack Maloney Aug 17, 2024 at 2:01 pm ET• 2 min read

The New York Knicks' only two titles came in 1970 and 1973, when they were led by Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier, who remains one of the best players in franchise history. Now a television analyst for the Knicks, he said during a recent event that their current group reminds him of those championship teams. 

"I see the vibes," Frazier said. "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. 

"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 was particularly complimentary of Jalen Brunson, the Knicks' star point guard, who averaged career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists last season, as he put the team on his back amid all their injury problems. In fact, Frazier said Brunson has a chance to be one of the "greatest Knicks ever." 

"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 said.