I cannot believe I am typing these words, but right now, the New York Knicks are a model sports franchise. Not only that, but they will be playing in the NBA Finals, with a real chance to take home the ultimate prize. It hasn’t always been that way for the Knicks, as for the longest time they were the laughingstocks of the NBA. Now, the Knicks are the ones with the last laughs. There are many lessons the Rangers can learn from the Knicks, and since they share the same owner these lessons should (should) be easy to bring over to the Blueshirts.
Superstars Matter
The Knicks are a team built around stars. While you might argue about the level of stardom each has reached, the combination of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges is awesome. The player I want to focus on here is Jalen Brunson. The Knicks sought after and failed to get many superstars before landing on Brunson. It was the perfect fit.
Brunson has provided a level of talent similar to Aaron Judge on the Yankees. It’s rare a professional sports team can truly win without a superstar leading the way. The Rangers have that in net, but they need a true superstar scorer. It seems the Rangers can learn from the Knicks here, as at least Chris Drury is aware the team needs more skill.
Management is Key
The New York Knicks toiled away through leader after leader until they landed on Leon Rose. Leon Rose wasn’t the obvious choice at the time, but he has stabilized the organization and then some. The Rangers clearly have not found the right management team in a long time. Glen Sather had his ups and downs, but was also provided far too many chances to figure things out. Jeff Gorton didn’t do his best work in New York. Chris Drury has been a massive failure.
When the Rangers inevitably fire Drury, it is imperative they find the right management team. That could make all the difference. This doesn’t appear to be imminent, but it’s something the Rangers can learn from the Knicks, or at least it’s something Dolan can actually control.
Team Camaraderie Goes a Long Way
I’m not expecting every Ranger to be best friends like all the Knicks are, but the Knicks clearly feel they can count on each other and count on the organization. Given all the turmoil within the Rangers organization in recent years, rebuilding organizational trust is of great importance. It takes pressure off the players and allows them to play their best.
Finish Off Opponents
When the Rangers do get back into the postseason, it’s time they finish off opponents quickly. After sweeping the Washington Capitals in 2024, the Rangers let the Carolina Hurricanes steal two games from them. In 2022, the Rangers let the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Carolina Hurricanes steal three games each. In the 2010s, seemingly every Rangers playoff series went six or seven games.
The Rangers need to step on their opponents throats. The Knicks certainly have been doing that. Perhaps that’s the biggest lesson the Rangers can learn from the Knicks. Go for the throat early, and don’t rest on your laurels.