Best New York Knicks Players of All Time

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Carmelo Anthony dribbles the ball in an NBA game against the Washington Wizards in November 2013.
(Wikimedia Commons/Keith Allison)
Sameer Kumar @S_Kumar2 Mar 18, 2024, 3:07 PM
  • Willis Reed won an MVP and two Finals MVP Awards.
  • Patrick Ewing has the most points, rebounds, blocks, and steals in Knicks history.
  • Walt “Clyde” Frazier has the most assists and second-most points in franchise history.

The New York Knicks have two championships in their franchise history, winning it all in 1970 and 1973, which made them a big market for fans and NBA betting.

Many basketball legends have come and gone in New York. Which ones are the best?

Best New York Knicks Players of All Time

RankPlayerPositionKnicks Years
1Patrick EwingCenter/Power Forward1985-2000
2Walt FraizerPoint Guard1967-1977
3Willis ReedCenter/Power Forward1964-1974
4Dave DeBusscherePower Forward/Small Forward1968-1974
5Carmelo AnthonySmall Forward/Power Forward2011-2017
6Earl MonroeShooting Guard1971-1980
7Bernard KingSmall Forward1982-1987

1. Patrick Ewing

Blessed with tremendous power, Patrick Ewing was one of the best post scorers, defenders, and shot blockers the NBA has ever seen.

The Hall of Famer made the Knicks a bonafide contender in the ‘90s, but they failed to win a championship since the Chicago Bulls ruled the league during that decade.

Ewing led the Knicks to the Finals in 1994, when Michael Jordan was out of the league and playing minor-league baseball, but the Houston Rockets, led by Hakeem Olajuwon, defeated New York in seven games.

The seven-time All-NBA and three-time All-Defensive center has the most points, rebounds, blocks, and steals in Knicks history.

2. Walt “Clyde” Frazier 

Known for his style on and off the court, Walt “Clyde” Frazier helped lead the Knicks to two championships.

The Hall of Famer’s quick hands helped him become one of the best playmakers and defenders in the league.

The six-time All-NBA and seven-time All-Defensive point guard has the most assists, and second-most points in franchise history.

3. Willis Reed 

With a badly injured leg, Willis Reed took the court for Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, which helped inspire his teammates to get the job done. Many consider that the best moment in Knicks history.

The Hall of Famer earned Finals MVP honours in both of New York’s championships and also took home the MVP Award during the 1969-1970 season.

The five-time All-NBA and one-time All-Defensive center has the second-most rebounds and third-most points in franchise history.

4. Dave DeBusschere 

Dave DeBusschere averaged 16.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game during his time in New York, winning two championships along the way.

The one-time All-NBA, six-time All-Defensive, and Hall of Fame forward has the seventh-most rebounds in team history.

5. Carmelo Anthony 

Carmelo Anthony helped lead the Knicks to their first 50-plus win season in more than a decade during the 2012-2013 season, finishing with a scoring title and third in MVP voting in the process.

“Melo’s” smooth pull-up jumper, ball-handling skills, ability to finish through contact, and overall athleticism made him one of the most unstoppable scorers in NBA history and an instant fan favourite under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.

The six-time All-NBA forward has the seventh-most points in Knicks history and ninth-most points in NBA history.

6. Earl “The Pearl” Monroe 

Known for his spin move and crafty scoring abilities, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe helped bring a second championship to New York City.

The Hall of Fame guard has the eighth-most points in franchise history.

7. Bernard King

Bernard King was one of the best scorers in the league, as he heavily relied on his turnaround fadeaway jumper.

The Hall of Fame forward earned two All-NBA First-Team selections during his time with the Knicks.

About the Author

Sameer Kumar

Read More @S_Kumar2

Sameer Kumar is an NBA writer for BetMGM who specializes in providing analysis on player performance and telling stories beyond the numbers. He graduated from SUNY Oswego with a B.A. in Broadcasting & Mass Communication.

Sameer Kumar is an NBA writer for BetMGM who specializes in providing analysis on player performance and telling stories beyond the numbers. He graduated from SUNY Oswego with a B.A. in Broadcasting & Mass Communication.