The New York Knicks have been the epitome of an up and down franchise over its history. The highlights are of course the NBA Championship years of 1970 and 1973. There were also some very down years, including records of 17-65 in both 2018-2019 and 2014-2015. This year, the Knicks and their fans have a lot to be thankful for on Thanksgiving. The offense has been clicking, and the roster is starting to gel. They are certainly on an upswing.

In honor of the legacy of “Once a Knick, Always a Knick,” here is a look at the Top 10 Knicks of all time. The format includes the Starting 5, and the first 5 off the bench. In some cases, one in particular, the decision was very difficult to pick one Knick for a starting spot. For others, it was pretty clear.

The Starting Five

Point Guard: Walt “Clyde” Frazier

Frazier was one of the best known Knicks from the championship years. With a dress code that matched his play on the court, he was the definition of style. His style has continued to this day.

As the Knicks point guard on the championship teams, Frazier was the floor general. In leading the offense, through 10 years with the Knicks, Frazier averaged 19.3 points per game, along with 6.3 assists and 6.1 rebounds. He was also a great defender, highlighted by his defensive play against Jerry West when the Knicks won their second title in 1973.

For his efforts, Frazier was inducted into the Hall of Fame. His influence on the game, and the Knicks in particular, continues to this day. He can be heard on the Knicks local TV broadcasts, using long words and rhyming phrases to vividly describe the game. His style is all his own, and the Knicks are the fortunate beneficiaries.

Shooting Guard: John Starks

Tough as nails, Starks was a good representation of the Pat Riley-era Knicks of the 90’s. Similar to the Knicks themselves, Starks had his ups and downs during his tenure in New York. If able to, he might still be shooting 3’s down in Houston until today, despite going two for 18 in Game Seven of the 1994 NBA Finals. However, it is easy to overlook the one game while focusing on the whole.

Starks is known for his clutch shooting (Game Seven mentioned above notwithstanding). However, he was also known for his fearlessness and tenacity on the defensive end. A perfect representation of this is “The Dunk,” where he went up against Michael Jordan and Horace Grant of the Chicago Bulls to deliver a dunk that electrified Madison Square Garden. The Dunk became a poster that pretty much ever teenage Knicks fan in the 90’s had on their wall.

In eight years with the Knicks, Starks averaged 14.1 points, with 4.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds. He is also a very proud Knicks alum, frequently being seen courtside during the Knicks playoff run last season.

Small Forward: Bernard King

A native New Yorker who began and ended his career with the Nets, King is best known for his time with the Knicks. He was the star of the Knicks just before Patrick Ewing arrived. King was also rewarded with a spot in the Hall of Fame.

As a Knick, King averaged 26.5 points per game to go along with 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists. At one point in 1984, King became the first Knick since 1967 (Rick Barry) to score 50 points or more in consecutive games. He also scored 60 points in a game in the following season. Had it not been for a bad knee/leg injury in 1985 that caused him to miss the entire 1985-1986 season, who knows what that Knicks team could have become.

Power Forward: Carmelo Anthony

While Anthony played both small forward and power forward for the Knicks, and his preference was small forward, his coaches played him as a stretch power forward and that’s where he makes the list here. Anthony was a player that wanted to be on the Knicks, and the trade that brought him over from the Denver Nuggets was one of the better trades in team history.

Anthony was a player that was able to score 50 points any time he stepped on the court. He reached that point twice with the Knicks and twice with the Nuggets. While Anthony was not able to bring a coveted championship back to the Garden, he endeared himself to Knicks fans with his pride in being a Knick. In seven seasons as a Knick, Anthony averaged 23.7 points, along with 7.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

Center: Willis Reed

In the toughest starting five call of the group, Reed gets the nod over Patrick Ewing. Reed, also known simply as “The Captain,” was the New York Knicks when they won their championships. His return from injury, hobbled in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, is perhaps the most iconic moment in Knicks history and propelled them to their first title.

Over his career, Reed was a two-time NBA champion, a seven-time All-Star, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, and a one-time league MVP. Reed also played his entire 10-year NBA career with the Knicks. He gives credence to “Once a Knick, Always a Knick.” Reed was still revered by the Knicks and their fans after his playing days were over.

Statistically, Reed gave the Knicks 18.7 points per game, along with 12.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists.

The First Five Off the Bench:

Patrick Ewing (Center) – The only player the Knicks have selected first overall in the NBA Draft, in 1985, Ewing lived up to and surpassed the hype. Over his Knicks tenure of 15 years, Ewing averaged 22.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.

Earl “The Pearl” Monroe (Shooting Guard) – Monroe teamed with Frazier to make one of the best backcourts in Knicks, and NBA, history. Over nine years with the Knicks, he averaged 16.2 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game.

Dave DeBusschere (Forward) – A spark plug for the Knicks, DeBusschere brought energy on both ends of the court. As a Knick, he averaged 16.0 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists.

Charles Oakley (Power Forward) – Another tough defender, Oakley helped define the team’s character during the Riley years. In addition to his rebounding prowess, Oakley provided a good outside shot to stretch defenses. Over 10 years with the Knicks, he averaged 10.4 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Jalen Brunson (Point Guard) – Brunson represents the team’s current era, and by the end of his career could challenge Frazier for the starting point guard spot. Named a Captain entering this season, Brunson has electrified New York since his arrival. He is in his third year as a Knick, and over that time has averaged 26.4 points, 6.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game.

Photo Credit; NBA, Card Breaks, Posting and Toasting, GQ, The Guardian, Bleacher Report

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