James L. Dolan, the longtime owner of the New York Knicks, has faced years of criticism during his nearly 30-year tenure. The team has struggled, boasting one of the worst records in the N.B.A. for much of that time.
In Dolan’s first year as owner, the Knicks reached the championship round of the N.B.A. playoffs in 1999. However, over the next 23 years, they managed to make the playoffs a mere seven times. In 2019, the Knicks had the league’s worst record, sparking a Bloomberg headline questioning if Dolan was the worst owner in professional sports.
His reputation in New York has been tumultuous. Dolan has clashed publicly with fans, employees, city politicians, and even the team’s own players.
Despite this, recent seasons have seen a dramatic turnaround. The Knicks now find themselves on the brink of a title, set to face the San Antonio Spurs in a best-of-seven N.B.A. finals series. A victory would mark the team’s first championship since 1973, well before New York’s current mayor, Zohran Mamdani, was born.
“Everyone loves a winner, and Jim Dolan sure looks like a winner right now,” remarked Kathryn Wylde, a prominent New York power broker. “I suspect we are ready to forgive his grudge matches.”
Not everyone shares this sentiment. Manhattan borough president Brad Hoylman-Sigal remains critical, noting Dolan’s unpopularity among many.
As the city waits for the finals, the question looms: can a championship mend years of disapproval, or will Dolan’s legacy remain complicated?
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