Basketball

The Greatest New York Knicks of All-Time

Some of the greatest players to have worn the Knicks jersey are Patrick Ewing, Earl Monroe, Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Harry Gallatin and Dave Debusschere. All are deserving candidates to be on the list for the greatest Knicks of all-time. I would rank the greatest Knicks of all-time as Walt Frazier, Patrick Ewing and Willis Reed.

No. 3: Walt Frazier (1967 - 1977)

This basketball hall of famer earned two NBA Championships, seven NBA-All Star appearances, seven time All-NBA Defensive Team honors and six All-NBA Team selections. Frazier also holds the record for most assists in franchise history (4,791). He helped lead the Knicks to their first ever title in 1970 with a notable performance of 36 points and 19 assists against the Lakers in game seven of the Finals. The flamboyant point guard was also a member of New York's 1973 championship team. He ranks second in most points, games and minutes in Knicks history. He had very high defensive standards and was always a leader on the court.

No. 2: Patrick Ewing (1985 - 2000)

For fifteen seasons Patrick Ewing dedicated his life to the New York Knicks. His exceptional work ethic helped lead the Knicks to thirteen consecutive playoff appearances. Ewing was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1986 and was an eleven-time NBA All Star, seven-time All-NBA Team selection and three-time All-Defensive Team selection. He is the all-time Knicks leader in points scored, minutes, games, field goals, free throws, defensive rebounds, steals and blocks. It's hard to believe that a great player such as Ewing went to the playoffs thirteen times and didn't win a title, which is the main reason he is ranked second instead of first on this list.

No. 1: Willis Reed (1964 - 1974)

Willis Reed was the backbone of the NY Knicks when they won NBA titles in 1970 and 1973. His memorable career as a Knick resulted in seven All-Star appearances, an NBA Finals MVP, an NBA MVP, the first ever Rookie of the Year trophy for the Knicks and five All-NBA Team selections. He will forever be remembered for showing up to play in Game 7 of the NBA Finals with a broken leg. This legendary showing of toughness gave the team the inspiration and motivation needed to win the game. Reed's leadership may never be replicated.

Ranking the best Knicks of all-time was no easy task. Both Frazier and Reed won two titles during their tenure, while Ewing went to 13 post seasons and has almost every record in Knicks history. I am of the belief that if a player brings a team titles it can easily outweigh statistics. With that in mind, I have no problem ranking the best New York Knick of all time as Willis Reed, one of the greatest leaders in NBA history, and winner of two NBA Championships.