After 27 years, the New York Knicks have finally returned to the NBA Finals. Madison Square Garden is once again hosting finals games, bringing a sense of excitement back to the city. The past quarter-century has been challenging for Knicks fans, marked by defeats, numerous coach firings, and many fleeting moments of optimism.

Some notorious names from the era include Jerome James, Antonio McDyess, Eddy Curry, and Joakim Noah. Yet, those times are behind them, and the city is ready to celebrate the team’s resurgence. Subway stations show blue and orange colors as fans rally behind their team.

The Unconventional Path

Unlike past attempts, the Knicks built their finals-bound team through careful planning and strategic moves. Unlike the 1999 team, the current squad made it without any first-round picks in the starting lineup, similar to the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers.

Key decisions have propelled the Knicks to within two victories of their first NBA title since 1973. Here are pivotal choices that shaped their journey:

Trading Patrick Ewing

In September 2000, the Knicks traded Patrick Ewing to Seattle. Despite being 38, Ewing remained a legendary figure. The trade included aging players like Glen Rice and cost the team a first-round pick, weakening the franchise. Shortly after, head coach Jeff Van Gundy resigned.

The McDyess Deal

The June 2002 trade for Antonio McDyess was another poor decision. McDyess was on a hefty contract with a serious knee injury, leaving him unable to play for the Knicks during the 2002-03 season. He was later traded for Stephon Marbury. The Knicks lost Marcus Camby, Mark Jackson, and the No. 7 pick (Nenê) to Denver in the process.

The Larry Brown Era

Larry Brown took over as head coach in 2005, bringing theatrical drama to the team. Despite his past success with the Detroit Pistons, Brown lasted just one season with a dismal 23-59 record. His tenure was filled with conflicts, leading to a firing with more than $40 million remaining on his contract.

The Carmelo Anthony Trade

Acquiring Carmelo Anthony before the 2011 trade deadline was a high-profile move. The trade cost the Knicks so much that it arguably hindered the team long-term. Anthony remained a beloved figure at Madison Square Garden, though his era did not result in significant success.

Linsanity

Jeremy Lin’s brief tenure was a sensation in February 2012. He inspired the Knicks with game-winners and memorable performances against stars like Kobe Bryant. The era brought optimism but ended as quickly as it began.

Nearly Acquiring Kyle Lowry

In 2013, the Knicks almost traded a future first-round pick for Kyle Lowry, a rising player with the Toronto Raptors. The deal was canceled by owner James Dolan at the last moment. Lowry went on to become an All-Star and champion.

Phil Jackson’s Tenure

Phil Jackson, a coaching legend, was hired as team president in March 2014. His time was marked by conflicts with Carmelo Anthony and other players. He missed hiring Steve Kerr and chose Frank Ntilikina over Donovan Mitchell in the draft. Jackson was fired after three seasons.

The Porziņģis Trade

The January 2019 trade of Kristaps Porziņģis to Dallas for two first-round picks was controversial. Porziņģis was a homegrown All-Star, but ongoing injuries and disagreements with the organization led to the trade. This decision eventually proved wise as the Mavericks later traded him to the Wizards.

Recent Strategic Moves

Hiring Leon Rose

The turning point came with the hiring of Leon Rose as team president in February 2020. Previously an agent, his appointment marked a shift toward a more strategic management approach. He assembled a team of competent executives and coaches, such as Tom Thibodeau and others, enabling gradual progress.

Drafting Immanuel Quickley

Trading Marcus Morris for a 2020 first-round pick led to the selection of Immanuel Quickley, a pivotal player for the team. Quickley became key during the Thibodeau era and nearly won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2023.

Acquiring Derrick Rose

In the 2020-21 season, the Knicks traded for Derrick Rose, providing Thibodeau with a familiar face. Rose’s presence helped the Knicks reach the playoffs, validating Thibodeau’s coaching strategy.

Signing Jalen Brunson

The acquisition of Jalen Brunson in 2022 was game-changing. Despite skepticism, the undersized guard proved to be a foundational player for the Knicks. His impact could lead him to become a symbol of the team’s resurgence.

Recent Trades and Success

Recent moves such as trading for Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges have reinforced the team’s identity. Acquiring OG Anunoby, a strong defender from Toronto, further strengthened the roster. Additionally, acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns has elevated the team’s performance.

The firing of Tom Thibodeau and hiring Mike Brown was a significant decision, leading the Knicks to the finals. Brown’s effective leadership and coaching style contributed to this newfound success.