NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 27: Former Knick Walt Frazier works the game between the New York Knicks and the Memphis Grizzlies at Madison Square Garden on March 27, 2013 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Grizzlies 108-101. 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 Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
2015By Ian Casselberry on

Watching the New York Knicks is rough enough for the team’s fans these days. But imagine how it must be for those who have to follow the Knicks closely because they’re paid to do so.

Walt “Clyde” Frazier is the color analyst on the Knicks’ MSG Network telecasts. Of course, he’s also one of the franchise’s all-time best players. Frazier was part of two championship clubs in New York, had his No. 10 retired in 1979 and still holds the team record for career assists. So he might be a hard grader when it comes to assessing the chances of a modern Knicks team. But because of his broadcasting role, he might have to watch more of this current Knicks squad than anyone should have to. And he doesn’t sound particularly enthused about what he sees right now.

Appearing on SI Now, Frazier was asked by Maggie Gray if the Knicks would make the playoffs this year. And he responded rather candidly.

“A lot of things have to go right for them to make the playoffs,” Frazier said. “If you look at the Eastern Conference now, all the teams are getting better. The Knicks weren’t in the mix last year, so… Boston is better, Philadelphia now, Indiana with [Paul] George returning, Charlotte… I think everybody has to have somewhat of a career year for the Knicks to make the playoffs.”

The Knicks finished last in the Eastern Conference last season with a 17-65 record, setting a franchise record for losses. And general manager Steve Mills didn’t exactly move the needle with the team’s offseason moves, led by signing free agents Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez, while selecting Latvian power forward Kristaps Porzingis with the No. 4 overall selection and trading for Notre Dame’s Jerian Grant in June’s NBA Draft.

If you watched the SI Now interview with Frazier, you might have noticed the Just For Men logo embroidered on the breast pocket of his blazer. Dropping in with Keith Hernandez on gentlemen with graying beards in need of a touch-up might be the only fun the poor guy has this coming winter and spring.

https://youtu.be/sMkA3LqR6Gg

[SI.com]

 

About Ian Casselberry

Ian is a writer, editor, and podcaster. You can find his work at Awful Announcing and The Comeback. He's written for Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports, MLive, Bleacher Report, and SB Nation.

View all posts by Ian Casselberry

Comments are closed.