The Best New York Knicks of All Time
Who are the best New York Knicks of all time? One of the most storied franchises in the NBA, the Knicks were one of the NBA's original teams. Formed in 1946, the team has had some of the greatest players in NBA history to play in the Big Apple. The Knicks's early years were successful, with multiple playoff and NBA Finals appearances. But it took the team until 1970 to capture it's first ever championship. Behind Hall of Famers and franchise icons like Walt "Clyde" Frazier, Dave DeBusschere and BIll Bradley, the Knicks played some of the most entertaining basketball in the NBA. When Willis Reed suffered an ankle injury in Game 6, the Knicks looked done. But against the odds, Reed hobbled out and sank the first two baskets and the team was on its way.
In addition to Reed, Patrick Ewing was another one of the greatest centers of all time to play for the Knicks. Ewing led one of the most successful eras in Knicks history. Those Knickerbocker teams were tough and defensive minded, and featured some of the most famous former Knicks legends ever. During the Ewing years, all time Knick greats like Charles Oakley, John Starks, Anthony Mason, Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell were on the roster. Unfortunately, they were never able to capture an elusive NBA championship due to Michael Jordan's presence on the Bulls, something that haunts the franchise to this day.
Some of the current Knicks that might move up this list include Julius Randle, R.J. Barrett, and Mitchell Robinson. All three are considered among the top current NBA players.
Vote or rerank this list according to who you think should be considered the greatest New York Knicks player in franchise history.
- 1Point guard
- Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
Walter "Clyde" Frazier (born March 29, 1945) is an American former basketball player in the National Basketball Association. As their floor general, he led the New York Knicks to the franchise's only ...more - 2Center
- Birthplace: Kingston, Jamaica
Patrick Aloysius Ewing (born August 5, 1962) is a Jamaican-American retired Hall of Fame basketball player and current head coach of the Georgetown University men's basketball team. He played most of ...more - 3Power forward, Center
- Birthplace: Hico, Louisiana, United States of America
Willis Reed Jr. (June 25, 1942 – March 21, 2023) was an American professional basketball player, coach, and general manager. He spent his entire professional playing career (1964–1974) with the New ...more - 4Small forward
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
Bernard King (born December 4, 1956) is an American retired professional basketball player at the small forward position in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played 14 seasons with the ...more - 5Shooting guard, Point guard
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Vernon Earl Monroe (born November 21, 1944) is an American retired professional basketball player. He played for two teams, the Baltimore Bullets and the New York Knicks, during his career in the ...more - 6Small forward
- Birthplace: Red Hook, New York City, New York, USA
Carmelo Kyam Anthony (born May 29, 1984) is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has been named an NBA All-Star ten ...more
