The Unfortunate Isolation of Charles Oakley

On December 7, during halftime against the Pistons, the Knicks held a Homecoming ceremony honoring 39 former players spanning the last 60 years of Knicks basketball, including legends like Patrick Ewing, Clyde Frazier, Larry Johnson, and John Starks.

It was a beautiful moment referencing the often-used phrase “Once a Knick, Always a Knick” with a full Mike Breen narrated video montage. The team emphasized the idea that the Knicks are a family — regardless of time spent with the organization, you are woven into the fabric of New York City.

It’s an aspirational message that felt true even for Knicks from the lean years like Eddy Curry and Tim Thomas. And yet, as numerous members of the Knicks from the 90s were mentioned, there was one glaring omission: Charles Oakley. Oakley not being a part of this ceremony felt like a mistake and a reminder that all families have dysfunction. The moment indicated an enduring rift between a franchise legend and the team with wounds that may never heal.