In a rare public appearance, New York Knicks owner James Dolan has set a definitive and lofty goal for the historic franchise. Speaking on WFAN's "The Carton Show," his first wide-ranging media interview since January 2023, Dolan made it clear that recent success, including winning the NBA Cup, does not change the ultimate objective. For the Knicks, only an NBA championship will truly count as a victory.
The Only Banner That Matters: An NBA Championship
Addressing the team's recent NBA Cup triumph in Las Vegas, a narrow win over the San Antonio Spurs that fans celebrated, Dolan revealed a different perspective from the top. The billionaire owner, with a fortune estimated at $2 billion, confirmed the organisation will raise a banner at Madison Square Garden, but emphatically not for the NBA Cup.
"We are going to raise the banner. We're going to raise the NBA championship banner. That's the banner we want to raise," Dolan stated, leaving no room for doubt. "We want an NBA championship, we don't want some consolation prize." He described the in-season tournament victory as a valuable tool for evaluation under pressure, rather than an end goal worthy of major celebration.
"I was very proud of the guys. They did a great job and we're proud to have the [NBA] Cup, but we're going to hang a championship banner, a real banner," Dolan added, framing the Cup as a stepping stone, not the destination.
Confidence in Current Roster and Locker Room Chemistry
Dolan also pushed back strongly against swirling speculation about the need for a major trade to elevate the team's championship chances. He expressed significant confidence in the current squad and praised the unique atmosphere within the team.
"We love our team. I've never seen a more copacetic locker room," the Knicks owner said, highlighting the positive dynamics. He firmly believes the existing group has what it takes to reach the pinnacle. "This group could win a championship. I believe it," Dolan asserted, signalling a preference for continuity over a dramatic roster shake-up.
Explaining the Thibodeau Decision: A Shift in Philosophy
The interview also provided Dolan's reasoning behind the surprising decision to part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau after a deep playoff run. Dolan was quick to credit Thibodeau for his foundational work, stating, "The team is really built on the shoulders of Tom Thibodeau. He built that core."
However, he explained the move was driven by a strategic shift in how the organisation wants to operate for long-term, sustainable success. "We did come to the conclusion that we had an idea of how we wanted to organise the team," Dolan noted. He elaborated that modern NBA success requires a specific type of leadership, emphasising collaboration, player development, and adaptability.
"If you want to build a long-term, competitive [team]... you need somebody who's more of a collaborator than Tom was," Dolan said. Despite the organisational change, he offered strong praise for the former coach: "Tom is still a great coach. He should coach again in the NBA."
This candid interview from the notoriously private owner provides a lucid look into the Knicks' uncompromising ambition. For James Dolan and the New York Knicks, the mission is singular and clear: nothing less than an NBA championship will move the needle at Madison Square Garden.
