James L. Dolan has been the owner of the New York Knicks for nearly 30 years. During much of his tenure, the team struggled, securing one of the worst records in the National Basketball Association (N.B.A.). After reaching the championship round in 1999, Dolan’s first year as owner, the Knicks made the playoffs just seven times in the subsequent 23 years.
In 2019, their record stood as the league’s worst, earning Dolan a notorious reputation. Bloomberg went as far as to question his status as the “Worst Owner in Professional Sports.” His relationship with New York City also suffered, compounded by public disputes with fans, employees, city officials, and players.
However, recent seasons have witnessed a remarkable turnaround. The Knicks now stand on the brink of a title, poised to battle the San Antonio Spurs in the N.B.A. finals. Victory in the best-of-seven series would mark the team’s first championship since 1973, a time nearly two decades before New York’s current mayor, Zohran Mamdani, was born.
The potential triumph raises questions about Dolan’s standing in the city. Kathryn Wylde, a prominent New York power broker, noted, “Everyone loves a winner, and Jim Dolan sure looks like a winner right now. I suspect we are ready to forgive his grudge matches.” Yet, some remain skeptical. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan borough president, remarked, “He’s the owner representing icons of Manhattan and the city at large, and to be so unloved — people love to hate him. I don’t think it applies more aptly to anyone else than Jim Dolan.”
Leave a Reply