I've been a Knicks fan for about 30 years. NYK forever, as far as I am concerned.
To be a True Fan isn't being holier than thou- it means that you are NOT a fickle type that wavers on your loyalty to your team. Oddly enough, but I've observed that one's "team loyalty" as a fan usually paralells their quality of character as a person. Those who claim to back a specific team, only to go turncoat, are often the same people who will sell friends out the same way. Those who are loyal fans are loyal friends, and loyal, trustworthy people in general.
A true fan won't go turncoat on their team for anything. That is the difference between a True Fan and a fake fan / fair-weather fan / bandwagon rider.
True Fans are the ones who are so loyal, that no matter how badly their team may be, no matter how long it's been since they won a championship, they will STILL root as hard as ever for that team and fiercely defend theri team against any and all haters. Many True Fans can be the harshest of critics, only because they want to see their team prosper.
When speaking/discussing/debating among other true fans of the same team, the in-house criticism and friendly fire can get to the point where some may sound like haters, but the difference between haters and heavy critics is that heavy critics criticize out of love for their team, while haters enjoy tearing the team down and couldn't care less about that team.
When you stand by your team through dark years, it'll be that much sweeter when that team eventually wins. Yes, that can be a little (or very) masochistic at times, but that's all part of being a true/real fan. Only weak-minded fake fans who never sincerely backed their team would "leave" and switch allegiances to another team just because that team is doing better or recently won a title.
Real Fans usually want nothing to do with bandwagon riders, and generally have no respect for them, either. I find it fun to verbally kick bandwagon riders in the teeth, though. They always have something sassy to say about the Knicks, and they usually calm down real quick once they get clowned out. It's easy to do, as long as the True Knicks fan isn't too heavily outnumbered by fake fans and wagon riders.
To all of the REAL FANS / TRUE FANS, back your teams to the fullest, whether you are a Knicks fan or otherwise. You will be in agreement with this, and you should rejoice along with other REAL FANS! You know your alignment. Being a REAL FAN is something to be proud of!
If anyone gets "offended" by this, then you also know your alignment. Get mad until your head explodes- you're a FAKE FAN!
On behalf of all Real Knicks Fans who have that undying loyalty to their team,
GO KNICKS! 
Another season, and more adversity to persevere through. We will get the job done, even BETTER than last year.
GO KNICKS!