An organization running since 1946 and its arena called ‘The Mecca’ is bound to have more than a few great players in its history. Despite only two champions in the history, the New York Knicks are always one of the favorite destinations for players. Recently, Jalen Brunson’s heroics propelled the team to the ECF, and since then, the question has been asked if he was the best player in the organization’s history.
If not at the top spot, some are okay with him being part of the all-time list, which includes former players like Patrick Ewing and Carmelo Anthony. The only potential issue for these two players is that they brought the chip to the Big Apple. So are there better players than them that won championships and dominated on the court? Let’s find out.
Walt Frazier: The style and champion icon, unlike any other
Selected as the overall fifth pick by New York, played 13 seasons in the league, and the Knicks retired his jersey just two years after his retirement. As stated before, the team has won only championships in their history, both came when Walt Frazier was playing for the team from 1967 to 1977. In his rookie year, the name ‘Clyde’ became synonymous with his name, since he wore the Fedora like the character Clyde Barrow in the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde.
Frazier averaged 19.3 points, 6.3 assists, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.0 steals. Those numbers got him on seven All-Star squads and six All-NBA teams. His astute defense also earned him seven All-Defensive teams and helped the franchise win championships in 1970 and 1973. Still today, his flamboyant style off the court is the talking point whenever the icon steps out.
Patrick Ewing’s domination was unlike any other
No championships, but plenty of pedigree to his name. “We’ve had the Mikan era, the Russell era, the Kareem era … now we’ll have the Ewing era.” Pat O’Brien, a profound sportscaster with CBS Sports, read a quote from an unnamed NBA scouting director just before the 1985 NBA draft lottery. New rules meant a new lottery system, and it is still a talked-about moment, if the then-commissioner rigged the chances in favor of the Knicks. True or not, the Big Apple definitely benefited from the arrival of Patrick Ewing.
Many reports expected him to be the No. 1 overall in 1985 and to be the face of their franchise. For 15 years, Ewing did that in New York, and the only thing missing is a championship. It was not due to any lack of effort; in fact, the Knicks reached the playoffs 13 times in the 15 seasons he played. In 2003, Ewing became just the 9th player whose number was retired by the Knicks. His #33 jersey is the last one to be retired by the franchise.
Willis Reed, the captain who steered the ship despite injuries
“I always remember one thing that eventually, somewhere during my lifetime, I will not be a basketball player, 20 years down the road, 25 years down the road. I’ll be sitting somewhere at some lake fishing, and I would have to say to myself, ‘Boy, I wish I had played that night.’ I wouldn’t have let that happen. That was my moment.” Willis Reed spoke about the 1970 moment where everybody, from the players, fans, and analysts, was unsure if he would play game 7 of the finals.
The Captain only had 7 fit and prime years at Madison Square Garden, yet that short time turned iconic enough. He became the first player in NBA history to become the All-Star Game MVP, the league MVP, and the Finals MVP, a record he still holds to this day. Before Fraizer, Reed’s number 19 was the first jersey retired by the New York Knicks. He coached both the Knicks and the New Jersey Nets after his playing career.
Carmelo Anthony, A New York blood through and through
Born in the Red Hook area, Melo played 19 seasons in the league and 6 with the Knicks. Before becoming a pro, he had already delivered the only title to the Syracuse program, one of the most prestigious college basketball programs, not just in New York, but in the USA. A proficient scorer on all levels of the game, he averaged 24.7 points, 3.2 assists, and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 36.9% from 3-point range.
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New York Knicks Carmelo Anthony reacts after hitting a 3-point shot in the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden in New York City on December 19, 2012. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY NYP20121219104; Basketball USA NBA x0x xub 2012 quer premiumd
Image number 12153216 date 19 12 2012 Copyright imago UPI Photo New York Knicks Carmelo Anthony reacts After Hitting A 3 Point Shot in The Second Quarter Against The Brooklyn Nets AT Madison Square Garden in New York City ON December 19 2012 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY Basketball USA NBA x0x xub 2012 horizontal premiumd
Yet his personal success is mostly overlooked, as the team never made any serious playoff runs. Despite that, he remains one of the faithful in the eyes of the Knicks fans, especially the fans who fell out of love. Carmelo Anthony’s game brought hope, and if only matched with the championship, no doubt his jersey would be in the rafters currently. As stated earlier, it’s difficult to shoehorn 5 names when the history is as big and diverse as the New York team.
Some honorable mentions include Bernard King and Dave DeBusschere, amongst others. King only played four seasons in MSG, but they were memorable ones. He won his scoring title in 1984-85, averaging 32.9 points per game. If you don’t know about DeBusschere, then Walt Frazier’s quotes will help you out. “I thought when he came to the Knicks, he was kind of in the twilight of his career. He was rejuvenated as a Knick.” Another important part of the team that won the two championships.
Earl Monroe: The backcourt partner who ticked it all
“Earl could do things that other players wouldn’t even attempt to do. Some people said that what he was doing was showboating. And it wasn’t. What he was doing was just getting an advantage.” Legendary coach Pat Riley once said. The partner in crime of the Clyde, Earl Monroe, truly changed the game. Some even called him Magic before Magic, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had no hesitation in naming ‘Earl the Pearl’ the best player.
Being a partner of Walt Frazier helped them win the two championships and also icon status with the NBA 50th Anniversary Team and the Hall of Fame. A flashy guard who became a walking highlight reel at his peak, Monroe spent nearly 10 years in New York. Yet, Monroe didn’t make the top Knicks record books in almost any metric. But no one would deny his place as one of the highly influential players of the franchise’s history.
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