Last Updated on April 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is the detailed information about Lee Knorek, a former NBA player:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Leo William “Lee” Knorek
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on July 15, 1921 (passed away on March 22, 2003, at the age of 81)
  • Hometown: Rossford, Ohio, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm)
  • Weight: 220 pounds (100 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 7 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 14 (US)
  • Number: Wore jersey numbers 5, 17, 18, and 19
  • Position: Center / Forward
  • High School: Woodward High School in Toledo, Ohio
  • College: University of Detroit Mercy
  • NBA Draft: Not applicable, as Knorek joined the league before the formal draft process was established
  • Teams Played For:
    • New York Knicks (1946–1950)
    • Baltimore Bullets (1950–1951)
  • Championship Rings: None in the NBA
  • Kids: Not publicly available
  • Siblings: Not publicly available

Lee Knorek’s player archetype was that of an old-school interior center: a sturdy paint big who operated mainly around the basket, gave teams size in the middle, and played a straightforward, physical brand of early pro basketball. At 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds, Knorek had solid center size for his era, and his defensive role was primarily to hold position inside, battle opposing bigs, and protect the lane more with strength and body presence than with modern switchability. Offensively, he worked as a low-post finisher and interior scorer rather than a perimeter threat, with his career profile pointing to a traditional center usage built on close-range attempts, free throws, and functional passing for the position. His play style reads as rugged and uncomplicated: screen, seal, rebound space, finish inside, and give his club dependable size at the five. (NBA)

Sources:

NBA.com — Lee Knorek | Center | New York Knicks | NBA.com
University of Detroit Mercy Athletics — Lee Knorek (2014) – Detroit Mercy Titans Hall of Fame – University of Detroit Mercy Athletics
Basketball-Reference — Lee Knorek Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com