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.

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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

On Behalf of the New York Knicks…

New York is famous for their pizza. A crunchy base with just the slightest bit of chew, subtly sweet and spicy tomato sauce, and the perfect layer of gooey, cheesey goodness. An ideal combination of elements ideal for fueling up before heading to Madison Square Garden or filling up empty tummies after long nights. Either way, the Knicks, like New York’s pizza, have seemingly got their recipe right for this seasons.

Let’s acknowledge the skill level of Carmelo Anthony, one of the top five best offensive players in the NBA. Despite returning to the court after healing from the worst injury of his career thus far, the 31-year old player doesn’t plan on leaving the New York team anytime soon.Pizza

And Robin Lopez; for his height, his rebound ability, occasional points, and great hair.

And the Knicks had a decent draft – while some may want to strongly disagree with me, it’s true. They chose players you can shoot, dribble, pass, and most importantly, block and defend any players they may have overlooked.

Led by president Phil Jackson, who coached the Chicago Bulls throughout six victorious championships from 1989 to 1999, he holds the highest winning percentage of any coach in the NBA: .704. And now that Melo has “bought into Phil’s vision,” according to Newsday, the seasoned star of the orange and blue New York team is ready to lead the team to playoffs alongside newly acquired players.

Ranked as the second most valuable team in the NBA by Forbes, and despite loosing 35 of their first 40 games last season, the team was still able to draw the largest television audience of any NBA team, averaging at 163,000 viewers per game.

Check out a recent post I wrote on my blog, Thoughts on Last Nights Game, in which I break down why the Knicks won’t be as disappointing as the past may indicate, the key reasons to still believe in the team and their players ability, despite profits dropping 45 percent last season and incurring a $36 million luxury tax bill.

I believe in the New York Knicks. I love the New York Knicks. They are just as much as staple in this great city as the slices of pizza, from the Greenwich village staples made famous by Louis C.K or the dollar-a-slice hole in the walls that keep half the people of this city running, the Knicks are hungry, and so am I.