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New York Knicks: ESPN Gives NYK Fans A Painful Reminder

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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ESPN Stats & Info gave New York Knicks another reason for sadness. Team president Phil Jackson’s triumphant return to title town can’t come soon enough.

The New York Knicks were once synonymous with greatness. The Knicks made three NBA Finals appearances in the 1950s, won two championships in the 1970s, and made the playoffs in every season from 1988 to 2001.

Though the past 15 years of inadequacy have become the story in New York, the title drought is far longer and more painful than the post-Van Gundy era.

The sad reality is that many Knicks have never seen New York hang a championship banner. That’s a tragic truth that those who support the orange and blue have long struggled to cope with.

With 43 days until tipoff, ESPN Stats & Info gave Knicks fans a painful reminder of the team’s title drought.

That never gets easier to read.

The Knicks last won the NBA championship in 1972-73. That legendary team is often regarded as one of the greatest in league history, and with very good reason.

The stars on the roster included Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, and Jerry Lucas—all of whom are in the Hall of Fame.

New York also won the NBA title during the 1969-70 season. Many of the same stars were on the roster, as well as Knicks legends Dick Barnett—who also won in 1973 with the Knicks—and Cazzie Russell.

Since the 1972-73 campaign, the Knicks have made two NBA Finals appearances: 1993-94 and 1998-99.

The good news for Knicks fans is that one of the forgotten players from the championship teams is back in New York. He did the dirty work for the Knicks, providing invaluable energy and tenacity for head coach Red Holzman.

That player is none other than current team president and 13-time NBA champion Phil Jackson.

Times have been tough in New York, but if anyone can save the Knicks from themselves, it’s The Zen Master.

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