Knicks prove Charleston is becoming destination of choice for professional sports franchises

The city of Charleston has long been one of the top tourist destinations, not only in the United States, but globally.

In 2023, Charleston topped Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Cities in the U.S. Reader’s Choice Awards.

It was the second consecutive year and 12th time in the last 13 years that Charleston was No. 1 on the list.

Condé Nast says that while the Holy City is a small town, it “punches well above its weight.” Charleston repeatedly tops the annual list with Condé Nast for its combination of “history, culture, food and charm.”

Charleston is also quickly becoming a destination of choice for professional sports franchises as well.

For the third straight year, an NBA team has descended upon the Lowcountry for its preseason training camp.

The New York Knicks returned to Charleston for a second consecutive year and will be in town through Oct. 5 working out at The Citadel’s McAllister Field House in preparation for the NBA season, which is set to open Oct. 22 against the Boston Celtics.

Despite Charleston being more than 200 miles from the closest NFL or NBA franchise, the Knicks are one of several professional franchises that have come to the Holy City in recent years, not only for its history and food scene, but for practices and team bonding as well.

“We’re able to lock in together down here as a team on and off the court,” said Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson. “If we were in New York, everyone would be going their separate ways, going home after practices. When we’re here, we’re going to spend time together. Have meals together, get to know each other better, and that’s a big plus.

“It’s starting to get a little colder now up in New York, so it’s good to get down here for a little warmer weather for as long as it lasts.”

In 2022, the Philadelphia 76ers worked out at The Citadel for a week before the start of the regular season.

In the 1990s with Pat Riley as their head coach, the Knicks would come the Lowcountry — practicing at College of Charleston — for part of their preseason camp.

Current Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau always enjoyed his preseason visits to Charleston when he was an assistant coach with the organization under Riley.

“I always liked getting away for training camp,” said Thibodeau, who enters his fifth season as the Knicks’ head coach. “I think it gives you an opportunity to do a lot of team bonding and concentrate on fundamentals and the important things.

“I spent a lot of time here when I was assistant coach with the Knicks. I think we came here 10 straight years, so I got pretty familiar with the downtown area.”

The NBA isn’t the only professional sports league to use Charleston as a training base.

The NHL’s St. Louis Blues worked at the Carolina Ice Palace and North Charleston Coliseum twice — once in 2013, then again in 2022.

In 2008, the Phoenix Coyotes, coached by Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky, spent two days in the Lowcountry while Super Bowl XLII was being held in Arizona.

The Buffalo Sabres held their preseason camp in the Lowcountry in the early 2000s.

Even the NFL has gotten into the act as New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has worked out with Citadel wide receivers while his family was vacationing on Isle of Palms this summer.

“The Citadel has great facilities, and everyone is so nice down here,” Jones said.

For Citadel basketball coach Ed Conroy, the Knicks’ visit is another opportunity for his players to see and learn from an NBA team.

“I love for my guys to see how much work the Knicks’ players put into their craft,” Conroy said. “Obviously, Charleston is special to all of us, and I don’t think it takes long for others to find that out as well. It’s exciting to have them here.”

• Alabama head coach Nate Oats, who led the Crimson Tide the Final Four last season, was on hand Tuesday for the Knicks’ practice.