2008 Outlook

Five tumultuous seasons with Isaiah Thomas in charge of the team have created a talented, but bloated payroll. The team has point guard Jamal Crawford, center Eddy Curry, power forward Zach Randolph, and Quentin Richardson signed to large, long-term deals. The team is excited to have Stephon Marbury in the last year of his nearly $20 million contract. Longtime Pacer president Donnie Walsh is expected to take over the team this summer and hopes to turn things around.

Team History

The Knicks long history, the team was established in 1946, has been marked by many highs and lows. The franchise began on a high note, making the NBA Finals in three consecutive years, from 1951 to 1953, in the first decade of the team’s existence. The early success was followed by a difficult period in the early 1960s, which included being on the losing side of Wilt Chamberlains historic 100-point game with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1962.

The Knicks began to turn things around in 1964 with the drafting of center Willis Reed and the addition of Bill Bradley, Dave Stalworth, Dave Debusschere, and Walt “Clyde” Frazier. The sweet-shooting Knicks were perennial title contenders with the push culminating with a title in 1970. The series with the Lakers is best remembered for game seven, in which Willis Reed braved a tore muscle in his right leg to take the court and inspire the team to rally and win the game and series.

The Knicks would attract such greats as Jerry Lucas and Earl “The Pearl” Monroe and win their second title in 1973. The decade that followed was difficult for the team, but the Knicks hurled themselves into contention for the next 15 years by drafting center Patrick Ewing form Georgetown. The team would not win another title, but would consistently compete among the elite that included dynasties by the Lakers, Pistons, Bulls, and Rockets.

The team hopes to turn things around in Madison Square Garden after the difficult years since Ewing’s absence with the hiring of Donnie Walsh as team president. To see the talented Knicks visit TheSeats.com for the best deals and the greatest variety of tickets.