Last Updated on December 22, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

The New York Knicks are one of the most storied franchises in NBA history. Below is a list of the greatest legends associated with the team, spanning different eras:

1. Patrick Ewing

  • Position: Center
  • Years with Knicks: 1985–2000
  • Achievements:
    • 11× NBA All-Star
    • Knicks’ all-time leader in points, rebounds, and blocked shots
    • Led the Knicks to two NBA Finals (1994, 1999)
  • Known as the cornerstone of the Knicks during the 1990s and one of the greatest centers in NBA history.

2. Walt “Clyde” Frazier

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years with Knicks: 1967–1977
  • Achievements:
    • 7× NBA All-Star
    • 2× NBA Champion (1970, 1973)
    • Known for his flashy style, lockdown defense, and clutch performances, including Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals.
  • Inducted into the Hall of Fame and still a prominent figure as a Knicks broadcaster.

3. Willis Reed

  • Position: Center/Power Forward
  • Years with Knicks: 1964–1974
  • Achievements:
    • 7× NBA All-Star
    • 2× NBA Champion (1970, 1973)
    • NBA MVP (1970)
    • Known for his heroic Game 7 performance in the 1970 NBA Finals, playing through injury.
  • One of the greatest leaders in Knicks history.

4. Earl “The Pearl” Monroe

  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • Years with Knicks: 1971–1980
  • Achievements:
    • 1× NBA Champion (1973)
    • 4× NBA All-Star
  • Known for his electrifying style of play and dynamic scoring ability, earning him a place in basketball history as part of the 1973 championship team.

5. Bernard King

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years with Knicks: 1982–1987
  • Achievements:
    • 4× NBA All-Star
    • Scoring Champion (1985)
  • Known for his explosive scoring ability, including a legendary 60-point game on Christmas Day in 1984.

6. Dave DeBusschere

  • Position: Power Forward
  • Years with Knicks: 1968–1974
  • Achievements:
    • 6× NBA All-Star
    • 2× NBA Champion (1970, 1973)
  • A key player during the Knicks’ championship years, known for his defense and rebounding.

7. Bill Bradley

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years with Knicks: 1967–1977
  • Achievements:
    • 2× NBA Champion (1970, 1973)
    • Known as “Dollar Bill,” he was an intelligent, unselfish player who became a U.S. Senator after his basketball career.

8. Allan Houston

  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • Years with Knicks: 1996–2005
  • Achievements:
    • 2× NBA All-Star
  • Known for his smooth shooting stroke and clutch performances, particularly during the Knicks’ 1999 Finals run.

9. John Starks

  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • Years with Knicks: 1990–1998
  • Achievements:
    • NBA All-Star (1994)
    • Known for his intensity, defense, and memorable dunk over Michael Jordan and Horace Grant in the 1993 playoffs.

10. Charles Oakley

  • Position: Power Forward
  • Years with Knicks: 1988–1998
  • Achievements:
    • 1× NBA All-Star (1994)
  • A gritty enforcer known for his rebounding, defense, and toughness, Oakley was a fan favorite during the 1990s.

11. Carmelo Anthony

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years with Knicks: 2011–2017
  • Achievements:
    • 10× NBA All-Star (6× with Knicks)
    • NBA Scoring Champion (2013)
  • Led the Knicks to their most successful season in years (2012–13) and is regarded as one of the best scorers in franchise history.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Dick Barnett: Key contributor to the 1970 and 1973 championship teams.
  • Latrell Sprewell: Dynamic scorer and a vital part of the 1999 NBA Finals run.
  • Anthony Mason: Known for his versatility, toughness, and ball-handling skills for his size.
  • Richie Guerin: A prolific scorer in the pre-championship Knicks era.
  • Amar’e Stoudemire: Helped revive the Knicks during the early 2010s.

These players represent the Knicks’ rich history, from their early championship successes in the 1970s to their memorable runs in the 1990s and 2000s. While the franchise has seen ups and downs, these legends have cemented their legacies in NBA history.