Adam Silver praises the Knicks' “fantastic” state and Jalen Brunson's leadership

Compared to the rest of this millennium, the Knicks have become an example that the NBA commissioner cites for wise spending and strong management.

“We're hearing less about this big-small market dynamic than we used to, especially with this new system we've put in place that's not just about who's willing to pay the highest luxury tax, because even if they are , there are competitive consequences. “They are ready to get into the tax,” Adam Silver said on Wednesday. “That’s why we see the impact of strong management as positive. And you can mention Oklahoma City, they've managed to stay competitive. They have their ups and downs but an amazingly run team. And now you can see that with the Knicks too.”

Not long ago, it was unthinkable that the Knicks would be compared to the resourceful Thunder when it comes to making informed decisions, when New York spent nearly two decades simultaneously paying the NBA's highest luxury tax and losing the most games. It was the double whammy of mismanagement.

Under former agent Leon Rose, who took over the front office in 2020, the Knicks operated below the luxury tax every season and reached the playoffs three times.

They stockpiled draft picks, signed two quality free agents from Villanova (Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo) and finally made the all-in plunge this summer, sacrificing five first-rounders for Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby.

The result is a much more expensive roster — the Knicks will be included in the luxury tax next season — but also a rotation of players all under 30, with the realistic goal of reaching the franchise's first conference finals since 2000 .

Circumstances forced Brunson, a Second Team All-NBA selection, to sign a multi-year extension in the offseason, despite the possibility of a much larger contract had he waited until free agency in 2025.

Brunson's discount could theoretically help the Knicks acquire more players by staying under the restrictive second bracket of the luxury tax.

“Compliments to the Knicks and Jalen for creating an environment he wanted to be in,” Silver said. “If he continues to play at the level he is at he will make a huge amount of money, which is wonderful. But I think what he's done with his contract is consistent with the way he performs on the floor. I think he made it clear to his teammates that he cares about them too, and he also realizes that he needs great players around him to compete for championships.”

Silver, whose leadership and decisions have recently been sharply criticized by Knicks owner James Dolan (particularly in light of the new media rights deal), feels empowered by the Knicks' success in New York City and the NBA.

“As a lifelong New Yorker, it’s amazing to see,” Silver said. “As commissioner of the league, I of course support all teams equally. Living in New York City and walking the streets, I get a disproportionate amount of pro-Knicks comments, and you can just tell how enthusiastic the fans are in this city. I've always thought of New York City as a basketball town. When I talk to players around the league on other teams, many of whom are from the New York area, of course they don't want to lose to the Knicks, but they love coming to the Garden to face a competitive Knicks team “To have celebrities sit on the sidelines and have this special energy in the building.”

Fittingly, Silver spoke at a ceremony in the Bronx — the groundbreaking for the Earl Monroe New Renaissance Charter School — with many memories of Knicks' heyday.

Monroe and Clyde Frazier, star players on the Knicks' last championship squad more than 50 years ago, both spoke to the assembled media and students. Allan Houston, John Starks, Leon Rose and Tom Thibodeau were also in attendance.

Julius Randle, who raised more than $1.3 million for the Bronx high school, was surprised Wednesday by the announcement that his basketball court would be called “The Julius Randle All-Star Court.”

“That says a lot about his commitment to the community,” Thibodeau said. “It’s also the time he put in. I think this is a blessing for all students. Someone who is willing to put in the time and this is a great example of him. When you see that commitment, his support and his commitment, that’s what’s special.”