James Dolan: The Man Behind the New York Knicks’ Transformation

James L. Dolan has been at the helm of the New York Knicks for nearly three decades. During much of this tenure, the team struggled, often finding itself at the bottom of NBA standings.

In Dolan’s first year as owner, the Knicks reached the championship round of the NBA playoffs in 1999. However, over the next 23 years, the team ventured into playoffs merely seven times. Their dismal performance in 2019 marked the Knicks having the worst record in the NBA. Bloomberg ran a headline questioning, “Is the Knicks’ James Dolan the Worst Owner in Professional Sports?”

Public perception of Dolan in New York City mirrored the team’s poor performance. His clashes with fans, employees, city officials, and players were frequent and public.

“Everyone loves a winner, and Jim Dolan sure looks like a winner right now,” said Kathryn Wylde, a prominent figure in New York’s corporate circles, suggesting the city might be willing to overlook past grievances.

Recent seasons have witnessed a remarkable turnaround for the Knicks. The team now has its sights set on a championship, with the finals against the San Antonio Spurs kicking off Wednesday. If they triumph in the best-of-seven series, Dolan, aged 71, would see his team clinch their first title since 1973 — a milestone that predates New York’s current mayor, Zohran Mamdani.

The prospect of success raises the question: Can New Yorkers forgive past grievances?

Opinions vary. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan borough president, voiced skepticism over the possibility. He remarked, “He’s the owner representing icons of Manhattan and the city at large, and to be so unloved — people love to hate him.”

As preparations for the finals continue, the relationship between Dolan and New York remains complex, with some eager for a fresh chapter in Knicks history.