NEW YORK — The New York Knicks' improbable journey to the NBA Finals after a 27-year drought should be a moment of pure celebration, but it's crucial to examine the team's success through the lens of social responsibility and ethical ownership.

The team's playoff run, marked by a dominant 22.5-point average margin of victory over an 11-game winning streak, cannot erase the decades of mismanagement and questionable decisions under owner James Dolan. While star guard Jalen Brunson may praise Dolan for fostering a winning culture, this narrative obscures the systemic issues that have plagued the Knicks organization.

Dolan's tenure has been characterized by a focus on profit over people, mirroring the behavior of other controversial owners like Dan Snyder and Bob Nutting. His treatment of fans, who he claims would “shout something horrible and run away” when they saw him, reflects a disconnect from the community the team is supposed to serve. Instead of prioritizing fan experience, Dolan has emphasized his responsibility to shareholders, revealing a prioritization of financial gain over community engagement.

Under Dolan's leadership, the Knicks have made decisions that have had a negative impact on the team's long-term prospects, all while enriching ownership. Trading Patrick Ewing and signing Allan Houston to a bloated contract exemplify how financial mismanagement can hinder a team's ability to compete and rebuild effectively. These decisions disproportionately affect the players, staff, and fans who invest their time and money into the team.

Furthermore, the Knicks' signing of Eddy Curry despite his heart condition raises serious ethical questions about prioritizing winning over player health and safety. The late hiring of Phil Jackson as coach further demonstrates a pattern of reactive, rather than proactive, leadership.

Dolan's decision to attend a gig with his band, JD & The Straight Shot, instead of the 2017 NBA draft, highlights a lack of commitment to the team and its future. His tone-deaf response to the Harvey Weinstein scandal, where he wrote a song about his ignorance of Weinstein's actions, underscores a troubling pattern of insensitivity and a lack of accountability.

Stories of mistreating fans and allegedly benching the cheerleading squad are symptomatic of a broader culture of disrespect and disregard for those who contribute to the team's success. While a team source denied the cheerleading story, the persistence of these narratives speaks volumes about the perception of Dolan's leadership.