The Knicks, a franchise with a rich history and a fanbase that’s seen it all—mostly losses in recent years.
But let’s take a trip down memory lane to a time when the Knicks were actually good at basketball.
Yes, believe it or not, there was a time when the Knicks were the kings of New York and not just a punchline.
Greatest New York Knick’s In History
As we all wait (and wait) for the Knicks to find their groove again, let’s celebrate the top 10 players who made the Knicks a team worth watching—before the current rebuild that feels like it started when cell phones were a new thing.
1. Walt “Clyde” Frazier
- PPG: 18.9 | RPG: 5.9 | APG: 6.1
- Games Played for Knicks: 759
- Years Active with Knicks: 1967-1977
- Titles Won: 2
- All-NBA Teams: 6
- All-Defensive Teams: 7
Walt Frazier is the epitome of Knicks basketball, known for his smooth style both on and off the court.
Frazier led the Knicks to their only two championships in 1970 and 1973, playing lockdown defense and running the offense.
His 36-point, 19-assist performance in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals remains one of the greatest performances in NBA history.
2. Patrick Ewing
- PPG: 21.0 | RPG: 9.8 | APG: 1.9
- Games Played for Knicks: 759
- Years Active with Knicks: 1967-1977
- All-NBA Teams: 7
- All-Defensive Teams: 3
Patrick Ewing is arguably the greatest player in Knicks history, leading the team throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Ewing was a force on both ends of the floor, known for his shot-blocking, rebounding, and scoring.
Despite never winning a ring, he led the Knicks to the NBA Finals twice and remains one of the most beloved figures in Knicks’ franchise history.
3. Willis Reed
- PPG: 18.7 | RPG: 12.9 | APG: 1.8
- Games Played for Knicks: 759
- Years Active with Knicks: 1967-1977
- Titles Won: 2
- Regular Season MVPs: 1
- NBA Finals MVPs: 2
- All-NBA Teams: 5
- All-Defensive Teams: 1
Willis Reed’s toughness and leadership were the key to the Knicks’ championships in 1970 and 1973.
Known for his legendary entrance in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals, Reed’s presence on the court sparked his team to the title.
He was named NBA Finals MVP both times and also won the league MVP in 1970, cementing his place as a Knicks legend.
4. Earl “The Pearl” Monroe
- PPG: 18.8 | RPG: 3.0 | APG: 3.9
- Games Played for Knicks: 759
- Years Active with Knicks: 1967-1977
- Titles Won: 1
- All-NBA Teams: 1
Earl Monroe brought flash and flair to the Knicks when he joined the team in 1971.
Alongside Walt Frazier, Monroe helped lead the Knicks to their second championship in 1973.
Known for his ball-handling and scoring, “The Pearl” became a fan favorite and remains one of the most entertaining players to ever wear a Knicks uniform.
5. Bill Bradley
- PPG: 12.4 | RPG: 3.2 | APG: 3.4
- Games Played for Knicks: 759
- Years Active with Knicks: 1967-1977
- Titles Won: 2
Bill Bradley, known as “Dollar Bill,” was a key piece of the Knicks’ championship teams in 1970 and 1973.
A smart and versatile forward, Bradley was known for his basketball IQ and ability to make clutch shots.
Though his stats may not open our eyes too far, his contributions to the team’s success were pretty damn good.
6. Bernard King
- PPG: 22.5 | RPG: 5.8 | APG: 3.3
- Games Played for Knicks: 759
- Years Active with Knicks: 1967-1977
- All-NBA Teams: 4
Bernard King was one of the most explosive scorers in Knicks history.
His ability to score in bunches, especially during his huge 1984-85 season where he averaged 32.9 points per game, made him a feared opponent.
Though injuries cut his time with the Knicks short, King’s impact on the franchise is undeniable.
7. Charles Oakley
- PPG: 9.7 | RPG: 9.5 | APG: 2.5
- Games Played for Knicks: 759
- Years Active with Knicks: 1967-1977
- All-Defensive Teams: 2
Charles Oakley was the big intimidating, angry enforcer for the Knicks during the 1990s, known for his toughness, rebounding, and defense.
Oakley was a key figure in the Knicks’ battles with the Bulls and Heat, giving the team physicality and leadership.
While he wasn’t a flashy player, Oakley’s playing style was critical to the Knicks’ success during his years in the squad.
8. Allan Houston
- PPG: 17.3 | RPG: 2.9 | APG: 2.4
- Games Played for Knicks: 759
- Years Active with Knicks: 1967-1977
- All-NBA Teams: 1
Allan Houston was one of the most reliable scorers for the Knicks during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Known for his smooth shooting stroke, Houston was a two-time All-Star and played a key role in the Knicks’ run to the 1999 NBA Finals.
His game-winning shot in Game 5 of the 1999 first round against the Miami Heat is one of the most iconic moments in Knicks history.
9. John Starks
- PPG: 12.5 | RPG: 2.5 | APG: 3.6
- Games Played for Knicks: 759
- Years Active with Knicks: 1967-1977
- All-Defensive Teams: 1
John Starks was the heart and soul of the Knicks during the 1990s, known for his fiery attitude and big-game performances.
Starks was an massive part of the Knicks’ winning ways during this period, particularly in their 1994 run to the NBA Finals.
Starks’ famous dunk over Michael Jordan and Horace Grant, known as “The Dunk,” is a defining moment in Knicks lore.
10. Willie Naulls
- PPG: 15.8 | RPG: 9.2 | APG: 1.5
- Games Played for Knicks: 759
- Years Active with Knicks: 1967-1977
- All-NBA Teams: 1
Willie Naulls was one of the early stars of the New York Knicks, known for his elite scoring and rebounding.
A four-time All-Star during his time with the Knicks, Naulls was a consistent performer who provided the team with some great production during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Though he never won a ring, his time at the Knicks is enough to propel him onto our list of the greatest Knicks of all-time.
The Knicks All-Time Starting 5 Lineup
The stats are for the players’ time with the Knicks, not their entire careers.
This includes points per game (PPG), rebounds per game (RPG), assists per game (APG), and games played while they were part of the Knicks.
| Player | POS | PPG | RPG | APG | GAMES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walt Frazier | PG | 18.9 | 5.9 | 6.1 | 759 |
| Earl Monroe | SG | 18.8 | 3.0 | 3.9 | 592 |
| Willis Reed | SF | 18.7 | 12.9 | 1.8 | 650 |
| Charles Oakley | PF | 9.7 | 9.5 | 2.5 | 727 |
| Patrick Ewing | C | 21.0 | 9.8 | 1.9 | 1,039 |
If you love an all-time lineup and some awesome stats – check out our best LA Lakers players all-time and best Chicago Bulls players and team of all-time.
