The 1960–61 New York Knicks were driven by Richie Guerin, whose scoring and playmaking established him as the centerpiece of the offense. Willie Naulls provided consistent frontcourt scoring and rebounding, while Johnny Green added another productive interior presence. The Knicks featured several reliable contributors and a balanced offensive attack, but defensive shortcomings and inconsistent overall efficiency limited their ability to contend throughout the season.
Functioned as the team’s most consistent inside scorer and elite rebounder from the wing-forward slot; among league leaders in minutes and boards, carrying heavy two-way responsibility.
All-Star, MVP-16
Richie Guerin
Offensive Engine / Lead Guard
38.3
Very High
21.8
7.9
6.4
2.0
19.1
Team’s primary creator and late-game option; combined high-volume scoring with top-tier playmaking while logging extreme minutes for the era.
All-Star, MVP-15
Kenny Sears
Secondary Scorer / Stretch Wing
26.8
Medium-High
14.4
5.6
2.0
1.5
11.8
Efficient scoring wing who complemented primary stars; strong free-throw shooting and off-ball value in half-court sets.
MVP-16
Dick Garmaker
Combo Guard / Secondary Creator
31.5
Medium
15.6
3.9
3.1
1.5
12.1
Served as a stabilizing backcourt presence, handling secondary creation duties and spacing the floor alongside Guerin.
—
Johnny Green
Rebounding Specialist / Interior Anchor
22.9
Medium
10.2
10.7
1.2
2.0
12.1
High-impact rebounder in limited minutes; provided interior toughness and second-chance scoring efficiency.
—
Phil Jordon
Starting Center / Physical Interior
29.8
Medium
13.1
8.1
2.4
1.8
12.7
Traditional center role emphasizing interior scoring, rebounding, and physical defense; frequent foul involvement reflects rim protection duties.
—
Charlie Tyra
Energy Big / Rotational Forward
23.8
Low-Medium
8.8
6.7
1.4
1.6
9.3
Provided athleticism and rebounding off the bench; role focused on pace, effort, and interior support.
—
Bob McNeill
Pass-First Guard
18.5
Low-Medium
5.8
1.6
3.2
1.2
5.9
Operated as a ball-movement guard tasked with organizing second units rather than scoring.
—
Dave Budd
Utility Wing / Defensive Forward
17.6
Low
6.5
4.9
0.7
1.3
6.7
Role player valued for defensive versatility and rebounding support rather than offensive usage.
—
Phil Rollins
Backcourt Connector
16.5
Low
5.8
2.1
2.5
1.1
5.8
Secondary guard contributing ball movement and perimeter defense in a limited offensive role.
—
Carl Braun
Veteran Floor General
14.5
Low
5.7
2.1
3.2
1.0
6.0
Late-career contributor who provided leadership, shooting efficiency, and situational playmaking.
—
Jack George
Reserve Point Guard
16.8
Low
5.1
2.0
2.4
1.0
5.3
Short-term rotation guard used for depth and spot ballhandling.
—
Darrall Imhoff
Developing Center / Depth Big
16.0
Low
4.7
4.8
0.8
1.3
5.8
Young center contributing rebounding and interior size; offensive role still developing.
—
Jim Palmer
Reserve Center
12.5
Very Low
5.3
3.3
0.5
1.0
5.1
Backup interior presence used primarily for physical matchups and fouls.
—
Whitey Bell
Emergency Guard
9.0
Very Low
3.0
1.4
0.2
0.6
2.6
Appeared sparingly; minimal offensive or defensive impact due to extremely limited minutes.
—
Mike Farmer
End-of-Bench Wing
3.0
Very Low
0.0
1.0
0.0
0.3
0.7
Two-game appearance only; functioned strictly as emergency depth.
