Rick Pitino has coached for more than 50 years, with most of his career in college basketball and only two NBA teams. He served as an assistant with the New York Knicks from 1983 to 1985, became head coach in 1987, then left for Kentucky in 1989 and later joined the Boston Celtics in 1997. Pitino looked back on the Knicks’ 1988-89 run, when they went 4-0 against the Detroit Pistons but were eliminated by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. He also referenced the Knicks’ 1999 success that ended with a loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He then supported the current Knicks roster, calling it deep, talented, and ready for the moment.
"In 1989, I thought we had a chance to win the NBA championship after going 4-0 vs the Bad Boys. MJ put an end to that dream,"
"Then in 1999 the Knicks caught lightning in a bottle but lost to the Spurs. I was a Jr at UMass when the last championship was won."
"This team gets it done. It's time. Deep & talented group with a great attitude. The Moët is on ice. Go NY, Go NY, Go."
Read at Athlon Sports
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