Led the team in scoring & rebounding; elite two‑way big who had previously won MVP and scored at historic levels, bringing modern scoring from the center spot to Knicks frontcourt context.
AS (All‑Star)
Walt Frazier
Lead Playmaker & Defensive Anchor
35.4
High
17.4
3.9
5.3
1.8
14.2
Hall of Fame guard known for crafty scoring and elite playoff defense; primary ball‑handler and team facilitator.
—
Earl Monroe
Secondary Scoring Ballhandler
34.5
High
19.9
2.9
4.8
1.5
14.6
Dynamic guard with smooth scoring & creative playmaking; part of a Hall of Fame backcourt alongside Frazier that defined NYK offense.
AS (All‑Star)
Spencer Haywood
Frontcourt Facilitator/Scorer
32.9
Mid
16.5
9.0
1.6
1.4
14.3
Strong all‑around forward; previously an NBA All‑Star and pioneer in NBA eligibility rules, he added rebounding punch and secondary scoring after joining Knicks.
—
Lonnie Shelton
Versatile Forward/Defensive Presence
25.7
Mid
11.6
7.7
1.8
2.7
11.9
Young power forward with strong rebounding and defensive activity; spaced minutes as impact rotational big.
—
Jim McMillian
3&D Wing
32.2
Mid
9.9
4.6
2.1
1.0
8.8
Solid wing offering spacing, defense, and complementary scoring to stars; fit as a multi‑purpose third scorer.
—
Tom McMillen
Stretch Big/Bench Contributor
21.8
Low
9.4
5.7
0.9
0.3
8.1
Backup center adding floor spacing and rebounds; role player minutes supporting starters.
—
John Gianelli
Backup Big/Space Creator
33.2
Mid
10.9
9.4
1.4
2.2
11.9
Big body with inside scoring and rebounding; provided minutes as secondary interior presence.
—
Butch Beard
Reserve Ballhandler
15.5
Low
5.3
2.3
2.1
0.9
5.3
Brought veteran ball‑handling off bench with modest scoring and playmaking.
—
Mo Layton
Reserve Facilitator
13.7
Low
5.8
0.8
2.8
0.5
4.5
Limited minutes but added bench playmaking and perimeter defense.
—
Ticky Burden
Spot Shooter
10.0
Low
5.7
1.1
1.0
0.8
4.3
Bench scoring spark; used in catch‑and‑shoot and spacing roles.
—
Phil Jackson
Role Big/Locker Room
13.6
Low
3.4
3.0
1.1
0.6
4.0
Veteran forward offering experience, positional defense, and occasional passing.
—
Mel Davis
Depth Forward
15.5
Low
4.7
4.5
1.1
0.4
5.3
Small forward offering rebounding punch and short bursts of scoring in limited minutes.
—
Neal Walk
Deep Rotation Big
12.3
Low
5.6
2.5
0.5
0.7
4.6
Low‑usage center providing brief interior presence off bench.
—
Bill Bradley
Veteran/Locker Room
15.3
Low
4.3
1.5
1.9
0.5
4.1
Long‑time tempo setter and experienced role player, providing ball movement and spacing.
—
Dean Meminger
Minimal Role
7.9
Very Low
1.3
0.8
0.9
0.3
3.6
Cup‑of‑coffee minutes; little statistical impact but provided historical depth as former key rotation guard.
