Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is the information on Ernie Grunfeld:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Ernest “Ernie” Grunfeld
  • Nationality: American (born in Romania, naturalized U.S. citizen)
  • Age: Born April 24, 1955
  • Hometown: Born in Satu Mare, Romania; grew up in Forest Hills, New York, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters)
  • Weight: 210 pounds (95 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 7 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 14 (US)
  • Number: Wore #18 and #20
  • Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
  • High School: Forest Hills High School (Forest Hills, New York)
  • College: University of Tennessee (1973–1977)
  • NBA Draft: 1977 NBA Draft, 1st Round, 11th overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks
  • Teams Played For:
    • Milwaukee Bucks (1977–1979)
    • Kansas City Kings (1979–1982)
    • New York Knicks (1982–1986)
  • Championship Rings: None as a player (had a front-office career with notable success)
  • Kids: Son: Dan Grunfeld (former professional basketball player)
  • Siblings: Not publicly documented

Player Archetype / Play Style

Ernie Grunfeld’s player archetype was that of a skilled scoring wing, a polished perimeter-forward hybrid who could stretch defenses with his jumper while still contributing as a smart team player. Defensively, he fit more as a solid positional defender than a shutdown stopper, using his 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame to hold ground on the wing and compete within team schemes, while offensively he operated as a floor-spacing scorer and secondary creator who could score from the outside, play off movement, and keep the ball moving. His physical profile gave him enough size for either wing spot, and his overall play style leaned on shooting touch, offensive feel, and composed execution rather than pure explosiveness or bruising interior play. (NBA)

Sources:

NBA.com — Ernie Grunfeld | Guard | New York Knicks
Tennessee Athletics — Ernie Grunfeld – Men’s Basketball
Tennessee Athletics — 1975-76 Men’s Basketball Roster