Top 4 Knicks of All-Time

The New York Knicks are one of the greatest franchises in NBA History. Over the last 70 years the Knicks have had their share of legendary players put on the blue and orange uniform. Here, in not particular order, are the top four Knicks of in the history of basketball.

New_York_Knicks

Patrick Ewing
There was a lot of great buzz surrounding the 7-footer from Georgetown University before he even stepped foot on an NBA court. Many knew Ewing would be the next star in the NBA, but the question was, what team would draft him? In the 1985 NBA Draft, the Knicks selected Ewing with number one overall pick. It was a move that would change the franchise forever. After being drafted, there was immediate pressure on Ewing to perform at a high level, but that did not faze him as he had a terrific first season and took home the Rookie of the Year Award. During his 15 year career, he helped guide the Knicks to two NBA Finals appearances and was elected to 11 NBA All-Star games. He is the leading scorer in Knicks history and after he retired the Knicks retired his famous jersey number,33, at Madison Square Garden in front of a sell-out crowd.

Walt Frazier
Frazier was arguably the best point guard to ever put on a Knicks uniform. He helped guide the Knicks to two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. The crowning moment of his career as a Knick was in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. With an NBA title on the line, Frazier scored 36 points, dished out 19 assists and grabbed seven rebounds to help the Knicks capture their first NBA Championship in franchise history. Frazier was elected to seven All-Star games and still holds the Knicks record for most assists with 5, 040.

Willis Reed
Reed spent his entire ten year NBA career with the New York Knicks. After being drafted by the Knicks in 1964 he quickly made a name for himself as a fierce, dominating and physical force on both ends of the court. Throughout his decade-long tenure, he averaged a double-double in seven out of ten seasons. He was also known as one of the clutchest players in Knicks history. A highlight of Reed’s career came in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals. Reed had multiple injuries that kept him out of Game 6 and was considered unlikely to give it a go in Game 7. However, Reed’s heart and dedication to the game showed as he surprised fans by limping through the tunnel and onto the court, prompting a standing ovation by Knicks fans. Once the game tipped off, he would score the Knick first two field goals on his first two shot attempts.

Allan Houston
Houston might be considered one of the most underrated men to ever put on the blue and orange jersey. He was one of best shooters the Knicks have ever had during his 11 seasons with the team. Houston was elected to two NBA All-Star teams and helped guide the Knicks to an NBA Finals Appearance in 1999. One of Houston’s best moments as a Knick came in Game 5 of the 1999 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Miami Heat. With the Knicks trailing by one point and 4.5 seconds remaining,their season on the line. Houston hit a running jumper to knock off the number one seeded Miami Heat to advance to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. To this day, this is regarded as one best moments in Knicks history.

Click here to find out where the rest of the Knicks rank