Adam Silver lauds ‘fantastic’ state of the Knicks, Jalen Brunson’s leadership

In a massive shift from the rest of this millennium, the Knicks have become an example the NBA’s commissioner cites for smart spending and strong management.

“We hear less about this big-small market dynamic than we used to, particularly with this new system we’ve put in place where it’s not just a question of who is willing to pay the greatest luxury tax because there are competitive consequences even if you’re willing to go into the tax,” Adam Silver said Wednesday. “And so we’re seeing in a positive way the effects of strong management. And you can mention Oklahoma City, they managed to stay competitive. They have their ebbs and flows but an amazingly managed team. And now you’re seeing that with the Knicks as well.”

The Knicks being compared to the resourceful Thunder for sound decisions was unthinkable not too long ago, when New York was finishing a near two-decade span of simultaneously paying the NBA’s highest luxury tax and losing the most games. It was the double whammy of mismanagement.

Under former agent Leon Rose, who took over the front office in 2020, the Knicks have operated below the luxury tax every season and reached the playoffs thrice.

They stockpiled draft picks, signed two high-value free agents from Villanova (Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo) and finally took the all-in plunge this summer by sacrificing five first-rounders 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 years old with a realistic goal of the franchise’s first conference final since 2000.

The circumstances compelled Brunson, a Second Team All-NBA selection, to sign a multi-year extension in the offseason despite the likelihood of a much bigger contract if he had waited until free agency in 2025.

Brunson’s discount could theoretically help the Knicks add players by staying below the restrictive second apron of the luxury tax.

“Compliments to the Knicks and Jalen for creating an environment that he wanted to be in,” Silver said. “If he continues to play at the level he is, he’ll make an enormous amount of money, which is wonderful. But I think what he did with his contract is consistent with the way he leads on the floor. I think he 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 sharply criticized recently by Knicks owner James Dolan (specifically regarding the new media rights deal), is feeling NYC and the NBA energized by the Knicks’ success.

“As a lifelong New Yorker, it’s fantastic to see,” Silver said. “Of course as commissioner of the league, I support all teams equally. I get a disproportionate number of comments pro-Knicks as I live in New York City and walking around the streets and you can just tell how enthusiastic the fans are in this town. I’ve always thought of New York City 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 the celebrities sit courtside, having that special energy in the building.”

Appropriately, Silver was speaking at a ceremony in The Bronx — the groundbreaking of the Earl Monroe New Renaissance Charter School — with many reminders of Knicks heyday.

Monroe and Clyde Frazier, top players on the last Knicks championship squad over 50 years ago, both spoke to the assembled media and students. Allan Houston, John Starks, Leon Rose and Tom Thibodeau were also in attendance.

Julius Randle, who raised over $1.3 million for The Bronx high school, was surprised by an announcement Wednesday that its basketball court would be named, “The Julius Randle All-Star Court.”

“It says a lot about his commitment to the community,” Thibodeau said. “It’s also the time he put into it. I think for all the students, that’s the blessing. Someone who is willing to put the time in and it’s a great example for them. When you see that commitment, his support and his involvement, that’s what makes it special.”