An NBA legend and former Knicks executive weighed in on the growing debate over whether the New York should hang a banner at Madison Square Garden for their 2025 NBA Cup championship.
After defeating the San Antonio Spurs on Dec. 16 to win the NBA Cup, the Knicks announced they would not raise a banner in the Garden’s rafters.
One source told SNYtv reporter Ian Begley that the organization “doesn’t want to diminish the accomplishment but has bigger goals in mind — winning a title in June.”
Knicks decide not to follow precedent set by Lakers, Bucks
The decision stands in contrast to the previous NBA Cup champions, the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, both of whom displayed banners to commemorate their victories.
The move, made under team owner James Dolan, has frustrated some Knicks fans, who argue that celebrating achievements like this matters — especially for a franchise that hasn’t won an NBA championship since 1973 and hasn’t raised a banner since 2013 for a division title.
Isiah Thomas believes the fans deserve the banner
Former Knicks president of basketball operations and head coach Isiah Thomas weighed in on the discussion while appearing on the “NBA on NBC” on Sunday, saying plainly that the Knicks should put up a banner.
“You should celebrate the win,” the Detroit Pistons legend said. “You should acknowledge it in your arena. It should be acknowledged with your fans. This is the start of something new in the NBA. You’re talking about starting a tradition. You are talking about something the NBA has put forth, and the other two teams have acknowledged it in their buildings. And Knicks should acknowledge... It also”
Maybe “Zeke” could persuade Dolan? Thomas maintains a close relationship with Dolan. He still sits on the board of directors for The Sphere in Las Vegas, which Dolan owns.