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New York Knicks: It’s time to finally rebuild the right way

ByKen Tavarez|
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 05: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Former New York Knicks Bill Bradley (L) and Walt Frazier are introduced during a ceremony honoring the 1972-73 New York Knicks Championship team at halftime of the Knicks game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on April 5, 2013 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Bucks 101-83. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 05: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Former New York Knicks Bill Bradley (L) and Walt Frazier are introduced during a ceremony honoring the 1972-73 New York Knicks Championship team at halftime of the Knicks game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on April 5, 2013 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Bucks 101-83. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 05: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Former New York Knicks Bill Bradley (L) and Walt Frazier are introduced during a ceremony honoring the 1972-73 New York Knicks Championship team at halftime of the Knicks game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on April 5, 2013 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Bucks 101-83. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Celtics and Lakers provide examples for how the New York Knicks can return to prominence.

After seeing the Los Angeles Lakers win their 17th NBA championship, which now ties them with the Boston Celtics for most in league history, as a New York Knicks fan, I found myself upset.

The fact that the Knicks haven’t won a championship since 1973 is embarrassing and inexcusable. Since 1973, the Los Angeles has won 11, Boston-6, Chicago-6, San Antonio-5, Golden State-4, Miami-3 and even Detroit has 3.

As a New Yorker, you feel a sense of entitlement when it comes to sports. We are the biggest market in the country and are used to seeing stars across all sports flock to the Big Apple. But in basketball, which is the most popular sport in this region, the success on the court hasn’t matched the passion and the support from the fan base.

It is crazy to think, but most Knick fans have never seen the franchise win a championship. In fact, most fans under the age of 25 don’t recall the franchise’s last trip to the Finals. One can understand how the Lakers were successful this season despite being poorly run: it’s simple, they play in L.A. But why doesn’t that same logic apply to the Knicks who play in the largest market in the country?

Why is it so hard to build a winner in New York?

The reason for the disappointing results have been chalked up to bad management and worse luck. But it can’t be that simple. The franchise has changed ownership multiple times in 47 years. There has been 14 GMs and 21 head coaches since 1973.

So it’s not an issue with one person in particular (i.e. James Dolan), it’s systemic. The reality is that management is afforded less time to show results in New York than in other markets. That is a lot to say when you consider that all front offices and coaching staffs are under immense pressure to produce results.

The reality is that time doesn’t move faster in New York City. The Knicks have 24 hours in a day just like everyone else. Children, animals and flowers don’t grow faster in New York City than they do everywhere else.

So how can the Knicks return to prominence? With patience. And by following examples set before them.

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