Walt “Clyde” Frazier knows what it’s like.
He played on a championship Knicks team.
He’s been chasing something close to that.
The legendary Knicks player and announcer believes the current team, strengthened by the addition of Mikal Bridges, has the ability to make a breakthrough soon after reaching consecutive Eastern Conference semifinals.
“I know the vibe,” Frazier said Friday. “I see a lot of similarities. [our] The coaches and other members of the championship team. [Tom Thibodeau] He’s a lot like Red Holzman: He holds his players accountable, he’s defensive-minded, and his players actually like each other.
“I think this will be a good year for us. Obviously health is going to be a big factor, but if the Knicks can stay healthy, I think we can return to our former glory.”
Frazier, 79, was in attendance at the inaugural Fanatics Fest NYC at the Jacob Javits Center, where he took part in a Knicks panel titled “Bing Bong” alongside players Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, actor Ben Stiller and award-winning director Spike Lee.
The hour-long event, held at the Javits Center theater, was packed with Knicks fans who turned out to shower Brunson and Hart with applause and praise.
Before he took the stage, the crowd erupted in chants of “Jay Len, Bran Son,” and when the team’s new captain came on stage, chants of “MVP” erupted.
While one of the main topics of the panel was the Knicks’ first title since 1973, Frazier also paid lavish praise on Brunson.
“I know in this city, the expectations are always going to be high, so for him to meet those expectations in his first two years, accept the challenge and make the team soar, he has a chance to be arguably one of the best players in Knicks history, no, the best player in Knicks history,” Frazier said. “I did a video. I wasn’t at the ceremony when he was made captain, but I told him, ‘He’s a lot like Willis Reed. They’re both left-handed, they both have a tenacious work ethic, they’re always sharing, they’re always caring, they always have a team-first mindset. They’re always thinking about the team, not about themselves.'”
The Knicks’ rising expectations are due in large part to a strong offseason, highlighted by the return of OG Anunoby and the addition of Bridges in a trade with the Nets.
Bridges, of course, played at Villanova with Brunson, Hart and Donte DiVincenzo and is another talented two-way player on a roster full of them.
“What he brings is a perfect fit to the puzzle,” Branson said. “He can do anything you ask of him and more. Just to give you an idea of the kind of person he is, he flew out of London last night and was in the gym early this morning.”
The 67-year-old Lee brought the crowd to its feet when asked why the Knicks are important.
He spoke about life as a Knicks fan, having grown up during the franchise’s heyday when they won two championships in four seasons.
“It’s time. Fuck Boston,” he said, referring to the champion Celtics.
Lee then brought out one of the glass MSG nets used in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals.
He asked Frazier to recite his performance (36 points, 19 assists, seven rebounds, five steals) from that memorable Game 7 in which the Knicks beat Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and the Lakers.
“1972-73? Come on,” Lee said, and the crowd cheered in approval. “Come on, let’s go get another championship ring. Orange and blue skies, come on.”
