New York Knicks reach NBA Finals, sparking vintage gear frenzy on Long Island
Store owner Andres Munoz, of Huntington, shows vintage Knicks merch for sale at Back of the Closet in Huntington. Credit: Rick Kopstein
For the first time since 1999, the New York Knicks are going to the NBA Finals — and Long Island's vintage shops can barely keep up. After sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, Knicks Nation is in full frenzy mode and fans are scrambling to find the throwback gear to match the moment.
Game 1 tips off Wednesday on the road against either the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs, and the Knicks will bring it home to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 on June 8 and Game 4 on June 10.
Newsday travel writer Carissa Kellman tries on some of the vintage Knicks apparel at It’s Wally World in Lindenhurst. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
If you're trying to show up to a watch party, the Garden or just your local bar looking like you've been a ride-or-die fan since the John Starks and Patrick Ewing days, you're not alone. Vintage Knicks gear is flying off shelves across Long Island — but if you know where to look, you can still find something special.
It's Wally's World
234 E Montauk Hwy., Lindenhurst
Pick up a vintage '90s-era Bugs Bunny Knicks hat at It's Wally's World in Lindenhurst. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
Wally Stacks is a 36-year-old Lindenhurst native who opened his store three years ago with one mission: give back to his community and keep prices affordable.
"I know young fans can't afford to spend crazy money, but they still want to cherish these memories," Stacks says. "I want to build a relationship with my customers and have them keep coming back."
Wally Stack, owner of It’s Wally’s World in Lindenhurst, shows some of the vintage Knicks apparel and paraphernalia in the shop. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
That philosophy has built him a loyal following and one seriously stacked inventory. It's Wally's World is part sports memorabilia shop, part time capsule. You'll find Ewing jerseys ($100), Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston jerseys ($80 each), a Starks '90s tee ($40), a '90s Bugs Bunny Knicks hat ($45) and a signed Jalen Brunson jersey ($550) and Karl-Anthony Towns jersey ($225) for the modern collector.
Pennants sell for $20 and a signed Walt Frazier hat retails for $65 at It's Wally World. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
There's also a signed Walt Frazier hat ($65), Ewing poster ($50) and '90s pennants for $20.
The crown jewel? A pair of Larry Johnson Converse sneakers — size 15, game-worn, pulled from Johnson's personal storage unit. They're one of a kind, priced at $400.
These one-of-a-kind, game-worn Larry Johnson Converse sneakers sell for $400. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
Beyond Knicks gear, Wally's World is a full-blown pop culture playground: Supreme, Moncler, A Bathing Ape, Ed Hardy, vintage rap and rock tees, Atari consoles, action figures, Pokémon cards ranging from $1 to $10,000, signed Britney Spears posters, sports collectibles and more. Stacks is also expanding — a second location is coming soon to 720 Montauk Hwy., in Copiague.
Hours: Monday through Saturday noon to 6 p.m.; Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
More info: 631-205-6047, Instagram: itswallysworldny
Knicks fans are flocking to Long Island stores for vintage gear as the team heads to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
Back of the Closet
388 New York Ave., Huntington
At streetwear-focused Back of the Closet in Huntington, owner Andres Munoz has been fielding Knicks requests steadily over the past two years — and every single day for the past month and a half.
"People come in every day asking for Knicks stuff," Munoz says. "We sell, trade and we source online, thrifting, any way that we can."
A late-'90s Knicks T-shirt with players' faces across it sells for $150. Credit: Newsday/Carissa Kellman
The small, family-owned buy-sell-trade shop carries vintage clothing, sneakers and streetwear, and Munoz has been hustling to keep Knicks inventory stocked as the team keeps advancing. It hasn't been easy.
"It's been so hard to find stuff because Knicks gear from the '90s is limited," he says. "I'm almost at the point where I buy it and just sell it for what I paid, because I want to have it in the store."
A Kith Knicks jacket is priced at $325. Credit: Newsday/Carissa Kellman
When gear is in stock, prices range depending upon the brand, year and player attached to it. A late-'90s Knicks T-shirt with players' faces across it sells for $150 as will a 1994 NBA Finals hat. A long-sleeve early-2000s piece goes for $45 and a Kith Knicks jacket — for the fashion-forward fan — is priced at $325. The shop is also selling Marcus Camby, Tracy McGrady and Stephon Marbury jerseys for $80 and an Eddy "Baby Shaq" Curry jersey for $60.
Hours: Monday through Saturday noon to 8 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m.
More info: 631-470-4390, Instagram: backofthecloset__li
Also worth a visit
- Company Laundry (135 Deer Park Ave., Babylon) is open Thursday through Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m. and sells sports apparel and streetwear clothing.
- Huntington Flea Vintage Market (1057 New York Ave., Huntington, Instagram:thehuntingtonflea) kicks off its outdoor season Sunday, running Sundays through Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except June 28 and July 5).
