The New York Knickerbockers won their first championship in 53 years, ending one of New York sports’ longest droughts. That’s right. The last time they won was in May of 1973 when they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in 5 games. Let’s look at what everyone was up to when they last won the Championship:
Half out league wasn’t even born yet. Rocky (‘84), Pete (‘84), Jared (‘91), John (99) and CJ (‘03) have only been waiting half as long as the rest of us to see it happen.
Jimmy was just about to get his learners permit out on LI and in just 2 short years would be burning up the dance floor at every Disco in Queens.
Dan was entering the 3rd grade and was already killing a 6-pack of Miller Lite at recess each day. (it was the 70’s. Grade school drinking was not only allowed, it was encouraged.)
I was busy adding to my collection of 1973 Topps baseball cards and pulling a Celerino Sanchez card from what seemed like every other pack. (for those unfamiliar, Sanchez was an even weaker hitting 3B than the yankees currently employ at the position.)
Meanwhile, Craig and Glenn were barely out of diapers and ironically are just as close to needing them again in their old age.
How long has it been since your team won The Cup? Here are the longest current championship droughts in KAOS:
Dark Helmet has reached three championship games and lost all three
Skoal Bandits, Peeping Tomlins and Wrath of Kahn have each reached one final without a win.
John’s Scary Team: Last won in 2015 under Ray-Ray’s management, with two Finals losses since then.
Black Ghostbusters: Last added to their four titles in 2020, with two Finals losses.
Stick Rock: Won its second Cup in 2022, against one Finals loss.
Milford Football Team: Won its lone Cup in 2023, with one Finals loss.
MKBA: Won its third Cup in 2024.
Springfield Flanders: The reigning 2025 champion now has three titles and four Finals losses.
So how do you win a championship? Let’s look at a few lessons from the Knicks GM Leon Rose and apply them to your roster building strategy.
Get your Jalen Brunson. The Knicks found an under-valued/appreciated player they could build around. In fantasy, that means finding a league winner in Rounds 10–16. Anyone can have success in the keeper rounds; championships are won by finding the late round diamond in the rough.
“Fuck dem Picks.” The Knicks took heat for the Mikal Bridges deal (5 draft picks and 2 pick swaps), but he delivered the defense and secondary scoring they needed. If you can trade a fifth- or sixth-round pick for a player that can win you a chip, do it. Championship teams need their studs.
Make the bold trade. Sitting still is how droughts stretch from seasons to decades. The Knicks moved productive Julius Randle and fan favorite Donte DiVincenzo for Karl-Anthony Towns. That kind of bold move can be the difference between a good team and a champion.
You have to give something to get something. The Knicks drafted and developed RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, but they moved those valuable young pieces to land the better roster fit: OG Anunoby (pictured above - how did that work out?). In fantasy, do not overvalue potential if the right trade gives your lineup a clearer championship path.
Win on the margins. Landry Shamet was a last-minute free agent signing who played on a vet minimum contract this year. All he did was contribute clutch 3-point shooting throughout the playoffs. Jose Alvarado was a trade deadline pickup who did not play much in the regular season but came through in the postseason. Knicks do not complete their 29-point comeback against the Spurs in Game 4 without his contributions. In fantasy, that means working the waiver wire before injuries and bye weeks force your hand.
Do not be intimidated. The Knicks went into the playoffs with the fifth best odds to win it all. OKC, San Antonio, Detroit and Boston all were favored over them. A team that looks unbeatable in September can crack when it counts, so keep grinding.
Ok, there is your blueprint for success. Now all you need to do is go out there and execute.
As a reminder, our Keeper Deadline is 2 weeks away on Monday, August 24th at 4:00PM and our Draft is two weeks later on Monday, Sept 7 @ 8:15 PM.
In case you missed my earlier post, here is a list of potential keepers for each team:
