The Knicks’ improbable title run was built on bold moves, patience, and a few unlikely heroes

The article also frames the title as a victory over decades of dysfunction under owner James Dolan. Since taking control in 2000, he oversaw disastrous front office choices, lawsuits, scandals, expensive mediocre contracts, and endless fan demands to sell the team. Instead, he stepped aside and let professionals run basketball operations. Team president Leon Rose, a longtime agent with no prior front office experience, built the roster around Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns, even though several moves, especially the trade for Bridges and the acquisition of Towns, drew heavy criticism at the time. The end result was New York’s first championship banner, with Brooklyn’s draft haul from the Bridges trade now including Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf, and future picks.