Photo: QueensPost
Dec. 5, 2012 By Bill Parry
Nearly a hundred fans lined up at the Chase Bank branch at Queens Blvd. and 46th Street for an event billed as The Knicks Celebrate Queens on Monday.
The fans, who were hoping to see some big name players, had to settle for a promotional appearance by former star Larry Johnson, now a member of the Knicks front office.
L.J. greeted fans and signed autographs while some of the Knicks City Dancers posed for pictures. Some game tickets and team swag were given away as well.
The event was part of a promotional tour where the Knicks were visiting Chase branches throughout Queens.
Several fans complained of the long wait (up to an hour) and the lack of present day players. Raymond Felton and J.R. Smith, who were going to appear at the Fresh Meadows branch, didn’t make it to Sunnyside due to practice.
“Larry Johnson? That’s it?” said a disappointed James Robin, who wasn’t interested in seeing veteran players. Another fan complained that the event had been advertised through social media as “The Knicks” at Chase, not a former player that many barely remembered.
Johnson was a star in the late 1990s, best known for hitting a miracle 4-point shot against the Pacers in Game Three of the 1999 Eastern Conference Finals.
L.J., however, seemed to enjoy himself. “It’s always good to see our fans,” he said.
