There’s Someone for Everyone

Bill Bradley and Walt Frazier come to Madison Square Garden, representing a golden era for the Knicks. Bernard King, known for his individual brilliance, is a familiar face in the crowd.

Patrick Ewing gets the fans hyped on the Jumbotron, alongside teammates like John Starks, Larry Johnson, Alan Houston, and Latrell Sprewell, who are right there courtside.

And just like kids from Brooklyn, Carmelo Anthony and Stephon Marbury are cheering on the Knicks today.

On the other hand, Charles Oakley is watching from afar, separated from the alumni involved in what has been the team’s best playoff journey in 25 years.

It’s been over eight years since Oakley’s infamous exit following a 2017 incident with arena security. Despite being a beloved figure in franchise history, he’s not welcome back at his old stomping grounds.

After that incident, team owner James Dolan initially banned him.

Although Oakley is no longer formally banned, he opts not to visit.

“It’s really up to two people, Adam Silver and the committee,” Oakley mentioned during his 19th BTIG Charity Day in Manhattan. “But there are many things I can’t control in my life. When I played there, I gave everything I had, win or lose. I showed I was ready to fight.”

Even though he’s been away from the team since 2017, Oakley still uses “we” when talking about the Knicks, reflecting on the style of the current players.

“You see a lot of energy, especially from guys like at Villanova, similar to when we played,” he commented. “OG Anunoby is something else. Mikal Bridges, too, and Jalen Branson? He’s fearless.”

“They come to compete every night and they share the ball well. When times get tough, they understand their roles. That’s crucial—they know their roles.”