Within those whose blood runs cold at the mention of names like Reggie Miller or Tyrese Halliburton, likely exists a memory flecked with orange and blue, and intertwined with New York sports. The New York Knicks, a two-time championship franchise has its share of legends. Some have an impact on a team that can’t be shaken even after a decade, or five.

Over a half-century removed from his second championship season in New York, Walt “Clyde” Frazier is widely considered the greatest Knick of all time, and he had Newburgh’s block party rocking on June 13.

South Colden Street was buzzing well before Clyde arrived. Basketballs thumping on gravel hardly interrupted speculation on Frazier’s attire, or the interactions sparked by once-strangers in obscure jerseys. Food trucks were passing snacks, as a clothing truck offered a bite of vintage fashion. The air swirling with creativity and collaboration, local artists and business owners displayed prints and products alongside one another.

All this was just the beginning of the day, as a meet and greet with Frazier followed, plus a bonus for those who entered the Newburgh Brewing Co. taproom.

Newburgh Brewing Co. partnered with local sports media outlet Big Knick Energy to host the massive, community-centered summer kickoff. Based in Newburgh, Big Knick Energy breathes New York basketball, from podcasts to social media, watch parties and merchandise. Vincent Puleo, owner of Big Knick Energy, wanted to bring an accessible event to the next generations of Knick fans. It’s all rooted in giving back to the community. And that community showed up en masse for Frazier.

Harlem to Hudson Valley, fans recall Frazier at any mention of their New York Knicks. Older Frazier fans remember his on-court heroics of the 1970 and 1973 Finals, or catching a glimpse of the giants who spilled into aisles on flights down the East Coast. From the championship rings down to his printed suits, Frazier personifies what it means to be a Knick. Always crediting the team before himself, while adding his own touch to any moment.

For this meet and greet, the fourth of its kind, Big Knick Energy added a new element: a Q&A, free of charge to all. Brew enjoyers and longtime fans alike filled the taproom at Newburgh Brewing Co. for Frazier’s takes on the 2024-25 Knicks, his career tales and advice, and of course, “Clyde-isms”.

Some in attendance brought memorabilia, while others were accompanied by loved ones or old friends.

Fans across generations rocked Chuck Taylors and signature shoes of today’s NBA stars. Suede Puma sneakers were in sight at every corner. As the first athlete sponsored by the shoe magnate, Frazier made the style famous.

“To understand the present, you have to know the past,” said Frazier of the community presence. “Building a tradition here, it’s camaraderie, it’s like winning a championship.

People have to be together, respecting each other, working for a common goal.”

Added Frazier, “It’s a win win. For everybody, it is.”

For some, it was a chance to reconnect with friends. Those who have shared seats at Madison Square Garden, or who lived through the dark days of a storied basketball franchise.
“Normally you have to go to New York City for an opportunity like this,” said Sam Ader, who celebrated his 30th birthday with friends at MSG last year. “It’s so cool to have him here, and around us,” he added.

Ader met with his college friend Eric Smith, with whom he’s shared many a Knicks game. Newburgh is the perfect halfway point for such a reunion between the two friends, now living in different towns.

Walt Frazier would call that serendipitous.
Whether a month old at the time of the Knicks’ most recent championship or newly minted members of a youth basketball team, all eyes locked on Clyde, larger than life and cooler than ice as he strode through the taproom.

For those religiously tuned to MSG Network broadcasts, Frazier was as expected. Comical, articulate. Old school style with new flair. And a few quips to get the room roaring. The only person inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as both broadcaster and player, Frazier’s way with words rivals his way with the rock.

Yet Frazier is no paradox. He is just one of one.

Frazier’s grit sticks with the young fans who will never see him laced up in person. Teagan from New Windsor attended the meet and greet to see the champion, accompanied by his grandfather, who is more a fan of Teagan than of basketball. They were just two of hundreds gathered from far and wide, for Clyde.

One such traveler was Syracuse native Patrick Hanley, a lifelong Knicks fan who grew up glued to the New York-Chicago Bulls rivalries of the ‘90s.

“I still have photos of John Starks dunking on Michael Jordan,” said Hanley, who drove over three hours for the chance to meet Frazier.

Others like Newburgh native Roberto Berrios didn’t require such a commute. To Berrios, such community events give people a chance to see faces they haven’t seen in weeks, or months.

Frazier’s signature on Berrios’ prized basketball joins those of Knicks alumni Larry Johnson and John Starks, who each made a local appearance with Big Knick Energy. The party was the last of its kind for the year, but opportunities for fans to connect with their Knicks are on the horizon, according to Puleo.

The Knicks’ merchandise urged them to “Do it for the boroughs,” in this year’s playoff run, the team’s most successful since the turn of the century. Yet as proven by one bustling block party near the Newburgh Waterfront, love for New York goes beyond Brooklyn, Queens or Manhattan.

Frazier predicts two or three years before the Knicks get another ring like his. Wherever the Knicks’ future – and new head coach – takes them, the fanbase will ride, too.

“New York got the best fan base in the entire globe. Nobody is messing with New York,” said Berrios. “Everything we do, everybody wants to do it better, but they can’t.”