In a stark departure from the rest of this millennium, the Knicks have become an example cited by the NBA commissioner for their smart spending and solid management.
“We’re hearing less about this big-boy versus small-boy market dynamic than we used to, especially with this new system that we’ve put in place, where it’s not just about who’s willing to pay the biggest luxury tax, because there are competitive consequences even if you’re willing to pay the tax,” Adam Silver said Wednesday. “So we’re seeing the positive effects of strong management. You can point to Oklahoma City, which has been able to stay competitive. They have their ups and downs, but they’re an incredibly well-run team. And now you’re seeing it with the Knicks.”
Not long ago, it was unthinkable that the Knicks would be compared to the decision-making Thunder. The New York team was ending a nearly two-decade stretch in which it simultaneously paid the NBA’s highest luxury tax and lost the most games. It was a double whammy of mismanagement.
Under former agent Leon Rose, who took over in 2020, the Knicks have operated below the luxury tax every season and reached the playoffs three times.
They accumulated draft picks, signed two high-value free agents from Villanova (Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo) and finally took the plunge this summer by sacrificing five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby.
The result is a much more expensive roster — the Knicks are projected into the luxury tax next season — but also a rotation of players all under 30 with a realistic goal of the franchise’s first conference finals appearance since 2000.
Circumstances forced Brunson, a second-team All-NBA selection, to sign a multi-year extension in the offseason despite the likelihood of a much larger contract had he waited until free agency in 2025.
Brunson’s cut could theoretically help the Knicks add players while staying below the restrictive second prong of the luxury tax.
“Kudos to the Knicks and Jalen for creating the environment that he wanted to play in,” Silver said. “If he continues to play at the level he’s at, he’s going to make a ton of money, which is wonderful. But I think what he’s done with his contract is consistent with the way he runs the floor. I think he’s made it clear to his teammates that he cares about them as well and he also realizes that in order to compete for championships, he needs great players around him.”
Silver, whose leadership and decisions have been heavily criticized recently by Knicks owner James Dolan (particularly regarding the new media rights deal), feels that New York and the NBA are energized by the Knicks’ success.
“As a lifelong New Yorker, it’s fantastic to see,” Silver said. “Of course, as the commissioner of the league, I support all teams equally. I get a disproportionate amount of comments in support of the Knicks because I live in New York and I walk the streets and you can see how enthusiastic the fans are in this city. I’ve always thought of New York as a basketball town. When I talk to players around the league on other teams, many of whom are from the New York area, of course they don’t want to lose to the Knicks, but they love coming to the Garden, having a competitive Knicks team, having celebrities sitting courtside, having that special energy in the building.”
Fittingly, Silver was speaking at a ceremony in the Bronx — the dedication of the Earl Monroe New Renaissance charter school — with plenty of reminders of the Knicks’ golden era.
Monroe and Clyde Frazier, two of the best players on the Knicks team that won the title more than 50 years ago, addressed the media and students. Allan Houston, John Starks, Leon Rose and Tom Thibodeau were also in attendance.
Julius Randle, who has raised more than $1.3 million for the Bronx high school, was surprised by the announcement Wednesday that his basketball court would be named “The Julius Randle All-Star Court.”
“It speaks volumes about his commitment to the community,” Thibodeau said. “It’s also the time he’s put into it. I think for all students, he’s a blessing. Someone who’s willing to put in the time and he’s a great example for them. When you see that commitment, his support and his involvement, that’s what makes it special.”
