The 1979–80 New York Knicks were led by Bill Cartwright, whose scoring and rebounding established him as the focal point of the frontcourt, while Michael Ray Richardson emerged as the team’s primary playmaker and defensive catalyst. Toby Knight and Ray Williams supplied complementary scoring, giving New York a balanced offensive attack, but inconsistent overall production and defensive shortcomings limited the club despite solid contributions across the starting lineup.
Led the Knicks in scoring and rebounding in 1980‑81; served as the team’s primary post scorer and inside presence, anchoring the offense around his efficient scoring and size. Ball‑dominant center rare for the era.
AS
Michael Ray Richardson
Lead Two‑Way Facilitator
37.3
High
15.3
6.6
10.1
3.6
17.8
Emerged as one of the league’s most versatile guards, leading the team in assists and steals; known for his disruptive defense and playmaking that drove the Knicks’ transition game.
AS, DEF1
Ray Williams
Primary Scoring Guard
31.5
High
20.9
5.0
6.2
2.3
17.2
Served as co‑lead guard alongside Richardson; balanced scoring and distribution while generating points in isolation and pick‑and‑roll.
Toby Knight
Secondary Scoring Forward
36.4
Medium
19.1
6.1
1.9
2.5
14.8
Posted big contributions in scoring and rebounding; versatile forward who complemented the backcourt with inside scoring and physical play.
Campy Russell
Supporting Scorer
36.3
Medium
16.4
4.4
3.2
1.3
12.7
Provided reliable mid‑range scoring and spacing; a veteran forward option who helped balance offensive load when starters needed relief.
Joe Meriweather
Frontcourt Role Player
24.1
Low
9.0
5.4
1.0
2.4
9.4
Provided interior physicality and rebounding, giving the starters rest while maintaining defensive toughness.
Larry Demic
Rotation Forward
22.8
Low
7.0
5.9
0.8
1.1
7.4
Bench big who contributed energy minutes, boards and occasional scoring in limited action.
Hollis Copeland
Role Wing
15.2
Very Low
5.7
2.1
1.1
1.1
5.0
Provided spot minutes as a wing scorer and defender; contributed peripheral stats without large offensive usage.
Mike Glenn
Backup Guard
10.7
Very Low
5.9
0.9
1.1
0.6
4.7
Served as a backup guard with periodic scoring bursts and efficient shooting in limited minutes.
Earl Monroe
Veteran Mentor
12.4
Very Low
7.4
0.7
1.3
0.5
4.95
Hall of Fame veteran provided scoring punch off the bench and leadership; less central to primary offense but valuable experience.
Marvin Webster
Backup Big
14.9
Very Low
4.4
4.0
0.5
0.8
4.85
Spot minutes as second center; used primarily for rebounding and interior defense.
DeWayne Scales
Energy Reserve
11.0
Very Low
4.9
3.0
0.2
0.4
4.25
Limited time contributor off the bench, offered some rebounding and interior presence.
Geoff Huston
Backup Playmaker
13.0
Very Low
3.1
0.8
2.2
0.6
3.35
Provided occasional playmaking as backup point guard, though with limited offensive role.
Jim Cleamons
Spot Guard
11.5
Very Low
3.4
0.9
1.8
0.7
3.45
Veteran guard used sparingly for ball handling and experience; minimal statistical impact.
