The New York Knicks captured their first championship in over 50 years, thanks to strong contributions from current players, including Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby.
Days after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 to claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the team had its official championship parade in New York City, with many of the former Knicks players and all-time greats there on an alumni float.
Someone who wasn’t at the parade was former Knicks star Charles Oakley, who played multiple seasons with the team during their clashes with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s.
Oakley watched the parade from afar and, in his absence from the event, sent a powerful message to the team’s fans on the special day they’d been waiting for so long to experience.
“Today is about the City of New York and the fans who have stood by this team through every high and low. Enjoy this celebration you’ve earned it,” Oakley said, per Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.
“Knicks fans are the most passionate and loyal in all of sports, and this moment belongs to you. Be proud, celebrate together, and show the world what New York is all about. Much love and respect to the greatest fans in the game,” the former NBA All-Star said.
Oakley’s Knicks career spanned 1988 to 1998, achieving NBA All-Star and All-Defensive First Team selections while in New York. Those who witnessed him play in those days saw an extremely physical and aggressive player on defense who had a reputation as an enforcer for the team.
Despite some great seasons in New York, his relationship with the franchise and many former Knicks teammates seemingly soured since his retirement. Oakley was infamously ejected from a Knicks game and arrested after shoving security in 2017. He also reportedly yelled at James Dolan, the executive chairman and CEO of Madison Square Garden, but claimed he never said anything to him at the time.
That altercation resulted in him being banned from attending future Knicks home games at MSG. Despite attempts by NBA commissioner Adam Silver and legend Michael Jordan, Dolan refused to lift that ban in recent years.
Nonetheless, Oakley still got to partake in being part of the Knicks winning their third championship, as they officially claimed the trophy at San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center, with Oakley among the former players in attendance for the event and postgame ceremony.