Alright, let’s dive into the mailbag, because this question hits different: what would your all-time “stinky years” Knicks squad look like from the 2000s-2010s? It’s a brutal question, and honestly, trying to figure out which era was truly the worst between the 2000s and 2010s Knicks is a mystery nobody really wants to solve. But here we are, facing down two nine-year abominations: the Knick teams from 2001-2010 versus the ones from 2014-2022.
The Numbers Don’t Lie… Or Do They?
Combine those 18 seasons, and you’re looking at 17 below .500 records and 16 seasons missing the playoffs entirely. Plus, eight losses in nine playoff games for good measure. Just brutal. When you crunch the numbers, the futility almost looks identical. From 2002-2010, the Knicks went 279-459, which breaks down to a 31-51 pace over 82 games. The 2014-2022 Knicks? They clocked in at 262-450, a 30-50 pace. Seriously, the numbers can’t even settle this debate. It’s like staring into two equally murky puddles of despair.
Why the Gut Tells a Deeper Story
But here’s where the “eye of the beholder” comes into play. For me, there’s a clear winner in the “saddest era” competition. Heading into 2014, there was *hope*. New York was fresh off three consecutive winning seasons and playoff appearances. Carmelo Anthony had just led the entire league in scoring and finished third for MVP. We had J.R. Smith in the top-20 for points, Jason Kidd top-20 in steals, and Tyson Chandler pulling down top-10 offensive rebounds, not to mention being an All-Star and First Team All-Defense. Even with Kidd retiring and James Dolan strong-arming Glenn Grunwald outta town for Andrea Bargnani, there was still reason to feel good. Then there was the excitement in 2016 for Kristaps Porziņģis’ arrival. And who could forget 2019, when we had genuine , maybe desperate , hope that Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Zion Williamson were on their way to save us? That hope, that expectation, only to crash and burn? That’s what makes it sting harder.
The OG Stink
The 2001-02 Knicks, post-Patrick Ewing, were bad, sure. They failed to win a playoff series in 2001 for the first time since 1991. Jeff Van Gundy bounced, Marcus Camby and a lottery pick were soon gone for the absolute low point of Antonio McDyess’ career, Latrell Sprewell was almost out, and Isiah Thomas was about to walk right in. It was a terrible slide. But the 2010s Knicks had the precedent of the 2000s teams to slightly soften that blow. We had *already* seen the team go from winning 17 playoff series in 12 years (1989-2000) to winning just one. That initial sinking, from glory to pure garbage, was a different kind of pain.
So, what do you think? Which era hits you harder?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Posting and Toasting.
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