The 1970–71 New York Knicks relied on Walt Frazier to orchestrate the offense with elite playmaking while providing outstanding perimeter defense, supported by balanced scoring from Bill Bradley, Dick Barnett, and Cazzie Russell. Willis Reed anchored the frontcourt with efficient interior scoring and rebounding despite limited appearances, while Dave DeBusschere and Jerry Lucas strengthened the team’s rebounding and defensive presence, reflecting the Knicks’ deep, unselfish, and defense-first style of play.
Engine of the Knicks’ offense, elite passer and perimeter defender; consistently tasked with initiating sets and disrupting opposing ball‑handlers. Known for big‑game performances, including historic playoff contributions.
AS, NBA2, DEF1
Willis Reed
Anchor Big / Post Duo Leader
39.1
High
20.9
13.7
2.0
1.8
17.2
Team’s interior backbone, controlled paint on both ends; dominant rebounder and physical scorer. Provided veteran leadership across majority of games.
MVP‑4, AS, NBA2
Dave DeBusschere
Two‑Way Forward
35.7
Mid‑High
15.6
11.1
2.7
2.0
15.7
Defensive specialist, often guarding best opposing wings and bigs; complemented scoring with elite rebounding and versatile defense.
AS, DEF1
Dick Barnett
Secondary Scorer / Veteran Wing
34.7
Mid
15.5
2.9
2.7
1.0
11.3
Reliable perimeter scorer with experience; provided spacing and veteran scoring punch. Integral to playoff runs.
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Bill Bradley
3‑Way Contributor
29.5
Mid
12.4
3.3
3.6
0.8
10.0
Balanced forward role mixing scoring, playmaking, and defense; facilitated ball movement when primary creators drew pressure.
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Dave Stallworth
Role Scorer / Rebounder
19.3
Mid
9.4
4.3
1.3
1.0
7.2
Served as fourth option off bench; contributed timely scoring and hustle rebounding in sub‑30 minutes.
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Cazzie Russell
Sixth Man / Floor Spacing Wing
18.5
Mid
9.2
3.4
1.4
0.9
7.0
Provided bench scoring and spacing; veteran presence with playoff experience and prior All‑Rookie pedigree, often inserted to spark offense.
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Mike Riordan
Depth Wing / Energy Role
16.1
Low
4.8
2.1
1.5
0.8
4.6
Defensive‑oriented reserve providing energy, hustle plays, and occasional spot scoring.
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Phil Jackson
Passing Big / Matchup Role
10.9
Low
4.7
3.4
0.4
0.9
4.7
Utilised for floor spacing and passing from forward/center spots; helped maintain ball movement when starters rested.
–
Greg Fillmore
Bench Frontcourt
6.9
Low
2.6
2.4
0.4
0.7
3.1
Limited minutes providing depth at center with focus on rebounding and interior defense.
–
Eddie Mast
Reserve Frontcourt
5.5
Low
2.0
1.9
0.1
0.6
2.3
Short minute contributor, involved in rebounding and basic defensive assignments.
–
Mike Price
Deep Guard Rotation
4.5
Low
1.5
0.5
0.2
0.5
1.3
Minimal offensive role; utilized sparingly for depth and defensive pressure.
