00:14The New York Knicks, they are defending their crown and that title defense begins tonight
00:18as the Knicks tip off their 2026-2027 season where they will raise the banner and they'll
00:24be hosting the Sixers at the Guard.
00:25Now before tonight's season opener, we got ourselves some championship company here on
00:29The New York Got Game joining me to talk rings, running it back, and what's next for the legend
00:35himself is the two-time champ with the New York Knicks, the one and only Walt Clyde Frazier
00:40joins me now.
00:40Legend, how are you doing, Mr. Frazier?
00:43I'm percolating.
00:44I'm percolating.
00:45I'm ready.
00:46I like it.
00:47I know you are ready.
00:50We had a chat a couple weeks ago.
00:51We were in Philly.
00:52We'll talk a little bit more about that.
00:54But Clyde, the last time you and I sat down for an interview, that was right before your
00:5780th birthday, and you said to me that seeing the Knicks win a championship would be, quote,
01:03the pinnacle of what I'm hoping for.
01:05That's what you said.
01:06And so I got to ask you this.
01:08What did that moment feel like when it finally arrived on June 13th?
01:15Obviously, you know, my prayers were being answered.
01:19Not only me, but a lot of Knicks fans that have been suffering all these years.
01:23So I was definitely elated.
01:26Very proud of the team, the organization, and, of course, being a former Knick.
01:33Yeah, that had to feel good.
01:35And I know I loved seeing you at the parade or all the games throughout.
01:38It was beautiful to see.
01:40One of the things you talked to me about the last time we sat and talked was the Knicks,
01:45you know, whether or not they had the chemistry and the defense to win a championship.
01:48So what was the biggest change that you saw that turned this group into the champions we
01:54know them as now?
01:56Well, it always starts at the top.
01:58You know, the coach.
02:00You held them accountable, which remind me of a guy who played for a Red Holtzman.
02:06He demanded that if you don't play as a team or play defense, you won't play.
02:10So I thought Brown was very significant in bringing that aspect to the team and making
02:16them into champions.
02:18Also, the guys like each other.
02:20It was so ironic how this team reminded me so much of my teams.
02:26Frazier, Bradley, DeBusher, Reed, Barnett.
02:28We personified a team.
02:30So you couldn't mention Hart, Brunson, Bridges, without Cat, without OG.
02:35They liked each other and that type of camaraderie and love was manifested in the way they played
02:42the game on the court.
02:43Yeah, when I heard you say that, because I talked with our good friend Mike Breen before
02:48the finals, he had told me that you had said that about how much this team reminded you
02:52the connectivity of those teams.
02:54I found that really interesting.
02:55And when we talk about connectivity, you've also always told me about how much you value
03:00connecting directly with the fans of this wonderful team.
03:03So today on opening night, you're taking a taxi through Manhattan with AT&T, the official
03:07connectivity, I can't say that word, partner of the NBA.
03:11How can fans join the surprises that's going to include NBA merchandise, memorabilia, and
03:16a chance to win opening night tickets?
03:18Tell me all about this, because it sounds really fun.
03:20Yeah, we're going to be going around to different locations, actually, in the city, giving the
03:25fans an opportunity to meet me, some of the other celebrities, and also share in the upcoming
03:31Knicks season and win some prizes as well.
03:34And the fans are going to be happy.
03:36Well, look, they're always going to be happy to see you.
03:38But when they can win some prizes, like some Knicks tickets, that's always going to be good
03:41for the fans as well, too.
03:43So good job by you and AT&T.
03:45And Clyde, you and I talked about this a bit.
03:48I saw you down in Philly before the Knicks' first preseason game.
03:51We chatted for a little bit earlier this month.
03:53And you have the experience of coming back yourself as a defending champion.
03:57What's the hardest part that this Knicks team won't fully understand until they go through
04:02it about returning as a defending champion?
04:06Well, you know, it hasn't been done in eight years since the Warriors.
04:09So a lot of things goes into repeating, mainly your hunger.
04:15How bad do you really want to repeat?
04:18But right now, we're talking about the apron.
04:20You know, you hear the controversy about the Knicks and Wiccatt.
04:23Will they extend this contract?
04:26Charge Hart, will they extend this contract?
04:28So there are a lot of ramifications now that are going on that prevent teams from having a dynasty.
04:35You know, a few years ago, I said OKC was going to be the dynasty.
04:40And now look at them.
04:41They are floundering.
04:43So they were the former champions.
04:45So this is what's going on now with the league.
04:47And I think I like it because you want to see everyone have an equal chance to win.
04:54So the Knicks in that scenario now, will they be able to repeat?
04:57I like their chances.
04:59I think they, you know, we lost Robinson.
05:01But other than that, we have the same team returning.
05:05So, you know, I'm very confident they might be able to repeat.
05:08So you mentioned that there because no team has repeated since Golden State back in 2018.
05:13Is it the continuity that makes you believe that they can do what the last seven champions couldn't and repeat?
05:19Is the continuity the big thing for you here that makes you think the Knicks can go back to back?
05:23Yeah, the continuity, knowing the players, you know, I'm a Knicks announcer.
05:28I'm around these guys.
05:29I know they have a lot of pride, a lot of character.
05:32So I know their bellies are full, but they're still hungry.
05:36They want to run it back.
05:39So they have a lot of pride and playing for the best fans in the world, the world's greatest city
05:45and the world's most famous arena.
05:47It's going to be a catalyst to propel them as well.
05:50Yeah, I'm with you on that.
05:51I like the continuity from this team here.
05:54And look, I don't have to tell you this.
05:55You know what it takes to lead a championship team from the point guard position here in New York.
06:00What does Jalen Brunson need to do differently now that the challenge is to keep his team at the top?
06:05Is there anything Brunson needs to do differently this season?
06:08Well, the captain has to keep doing what he's doing.
06:11You know, that's why I call him the maestro, the virtual.
06:15So he's the guy that penetrates, creates Mr. Clutch.
06:19So he's been the catalyst for these guys.
06:21Like Willis Reed was the catalyst for my championship team.
06:25So he provides the impetus.
06:27The teams follow him.
06:29Again, the coaching is significant.
06:33I like Brown and what he's doing with the team, keeping the bench ready.
06:37So if they continue to do that, and the main thing is going to be remaining healthy.
06:42You know, the Eastern Conference, man, I've never seen it this tough.
06:46Look at Cleveland, Miami, Boston, Indiana, you know, Atlanta.
06:52All these teams are much improved.
06:54So obviously it's going to be a formidable challenge for the Knicks.
06:58But I think they're up for it.
07:00Yeah, I hope they're up for it.
07:01The fans are hoping for that, too.
07:02In the past, you told me Mitchell Robinson is, you know, so important to this defense.
07:07And now he's not here.
07:08And Andre Drummond is stepping in as a backup center.
07:11What changes in your eyes about the Knicks' ability to defend the paint and control the boards against the best
07:15teams?
07:15Some of the ones you just talked about in the East.
07:18Well, I think Cat is going to be significant, staying out of foul walls.
07:24You know, he's had a propensity for fouls early on.
07:27So he has to stay away from the fouls and protect the rim.
07:30Now we have Robinson.
07:31But I like Drummond.
07:32I think Drummond will be humming.
07:35I like that.
07:36He's a Connecticut native.
07:38He played at the UConn.
07:40So he's very excited about being back home.
07:43And, you know, he's a tremendous rebounder.
07:47Guy runs the court with Abandon.
07:50So I think he's going to feel the void of not having Robinson on the team.
07:55I like that, Clyde.
07:56Drummond will be humming.
07:57I can't wait for you to break that out in a game.
07:59That's a good one.
08:00I knew you were going to have one there.
08:01So I like that one that's there.
08:02I guess the last thing for me here, Clyde, you told me the last time we sat down and talked,
08:05you said going out with a championship team would be the culmination of your career.
08:11Now the Knicks have won the title.
08:12How are you thinking about your future in broadcasting going forward now that the Knicks have won it all?
08:19Well, right now I'm going to continue.
08:22You know, I love what I do.
08:25The challenge.
08:27Every game, traveling around, especially at my age, being 81 years of age,
08:32you know, it keeps me focused on the game.
08:34It gives me a reason to go to the Garden.
08:37And I love interacting with the fans and especially the kids.
08:42I do a lot of work with the Garden of Dreams Foundation,
08:45talking with kids about the importance of education, abstinence from drugs and alcohol.
08:51So even if I'm not a Knick announcer, I still like to attend the game.
08:55Like I see Bill Bradley, like I see Earl of Pearl, former Knick legends as well.
09:00So you're still supporting the team and going out, enjoying watching the team play.
09:06I love it.
09:07Well, the fans love it.
09:08I told you this last time.
09:09The fans love having you around the team in whatever capacity that is.
09:13And yeah, I was thrilled that you got to see this team win.
09:16I know you wanted to see that third title.
09:18You being part of the first two, you got to see him do it this year.
09:21It was very special.
09:21So now we'll see if the Knicks can go back to back here in the 2026-2027 season.
09:27That is Walt Clyde Frazier, the legend, the legendary Walt Clyde Frazier.
09:31Fantastic Knicks Hall of Famer and Broadcasting Hall of Fame as well, too, for the Knicks there.
09:37Clyde, love what you're doing with AT&T.
09:39The fans should come out and see you.
09:41They can win those great prizes.
09:42Thank you for the time and joining me on New York Got Game.
09:44Appreciate you as always, legend.
09:47And thanks for watching New York Got Game.
09:51Boom shakalaka.
