PORTLAND, Ore. — Walt Frazier celebrated his 65th birthday on Monday night in Utah, hitting official retirement age. But Clyde is not going anywhere.
After enduring nine straight losing seasons as a broadcaster for the team on MSG, the Knicks legend believes a rebirth is around the corner.
“It’s been frustrating, especially for the fans because they deserve better,” Clyde told The Post. “They’re so supportive. But this offseason it’s time to turn it around. Usually the Knicks are negotiating from the point of weakness and not strength. Now they’re under the cap, have money, but it will take some luck, too.”
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Frazier, who will call tonight’s game against the playoff-bound Trail Blazers, increased his workload this season to 71 games from 62, his largest output in a few years. An MSG source would not discuss Frazier’s contract, but the Garden expects him to stick around a while longer.
At least long enough for LeBron James to leave Cleveland for New York. Clyde played in Cleveland in his final few seasons. He wasn’t crazy about the city, but realizes it is different because King James hails from Akron, Ohio.
However, Clyde can see James leaving for Broadway, and said he would not hesitate to give his recruiting pitch when the time comes.
“Most people think he’s not coming,” Frazier said. “I don’t think he knows at this point. If he wins a title, maybe he’ll leave. If he loses, maybe he’ll leave because he’ll be frustrated. He was very frustrated last year when they lost (in the Eastern Finals). But he seems to like Cleveland because it’s his hometown.”
Clyde has enjoyed watching rookie Toney Douglas emerge as the team’s starting point guard over the past few weeks.
Douglas’ defensive tenacity reminds Clyde of himself, and he has made a point to talk to Douglas during the team’s travels.
“I think we’re similar players — he does things I used to do,” Frazier said. “He’s not just a one-dimensional player. He can score and does an excellent job on defense getting in passing lanes, keeping guys outside of the paint, which is what you need. The defense starts with the guards. It’s crucial for the Knicks. He even rebounds, hangs around the free throw extended, getting rebounds.”
And Douglas has an intangible trait that few have possessed during the Knicks’ depressing nine-year stretch — and nobody possessed quite like Clyde.
“He likes pressure,” Frazier said. “When the game’s on the line, he wants the ball.”
Frazier was presented a birthday cake by the Jazz mascot during Monday’s telecast in Salt Lake City. This season marked another milestone, the 40th anniversary of the Knicks’ first championship of 1969-70. Clyde was just 25 years old. He doesn’t look much different now.
“When I think about it, it’s hard to believe I’m 65 years old,” Frazier said. “Obviously I don’t feel it. I don’t think a lot of people had an idea I was that old. They probably think 55. A lot of the players were shocked.”
Maybe Knicks management can buy Clyde a real birthday present this summer in building a team befitting his legacy.