The New York Knicks are champions once again.
With a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals, the Knicks captured their third NBA championship and their first title since 1973, ending a 53-year wait for one of basketball’s most passionate fan bases.
As New York celebrates and the confetti settles, there has never been a better time to look back at the players who built the franchise’s storied history.
Founded by Ned Irish in 1946, the Knicks were one of the original members of the Basketball Association of America, the league that later merged with the National Basketball League to form the NBA. The franchise even won the first game in NBA history, defeating the Toronto Huskies 68-66 on November 1, 1946.
From championship legends and Hall of Famers to fan favorites and modern stars, countless players have left their mark on the orange and blue. Some delivered championships, some carried the franchise through difficult eras while others helped shape the identity of basketball in New York City.
Now, with another banner set to hang in Madison Square Garden, it’s time to celebrate the greatest players ever to wear a Knicks uniform. Here are the 50 greatest players in franchise history.
No player better represents New York Knicks basketball than Walt “Clyde” Frazier.
A pioneer of the point guard position, Frazier was ahead of his time both offensively and defensively. During his 10 seasons in New York, he earned seven All-Star selections, six All-NBA honors, seven All-Defensive Team selections, and won two NBA championships.
Frazier orchestrated the Knicks dynasty of the 1970s and delivered one of the greatest performances in NBA Finals history during Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals.
He averaged 19 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals while setting the standard for excellence at Madison Square Garden.
More than five decades later, Frazier remains the voice of Knicks basketball as the team’s television color commentator. His style, championship success, and lasting influence make him the greatest Knick of all time.
Willis Reed embodied everything Knicks basketball represents.
The captain of New York’s championship teams spent his entire 10-year career with the franchise, earning seven All-Star appearances, five All-NBA selections, two NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVP Awards, and the 1969-70 NBA MVP Award.
Reed consistently battled the NBA’s greatest centers, including Wilt Chamberlain and Wes Unseld, and frequently came out on top.
He averaged 19 points and 13 rebounds while delivering one of the most iconic moments in sports history when he famously limped onto the court before Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals.
His leadership and toughness make him one of the greatest centers in NBA history while also being the most underappreciated.
No player carried the Knicks longer than Patrick Ewing. If he won an NBA Championship, would he be considered the greatest Knick ever? Yes.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft spent 15 seasons in New York and became the face of the franchise throughout the 1990s.
Ewing was an 11-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection, three-time NBA All-Defensive Team member, and one of the most dominant centers of his generation.
He averaged 23 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks while leading the Knicks to multiple deep playoff runs.
Despite never winning a championship, Ewing battled against Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Reggie Miller, and other all-time greats during one of the toughest eras in NBA history. His loyalty and impact make him one of the most beloved players the franchise has ever known.
, Guard, 2022- Present, Villanova
Jalen Brunson has already accomplished what many Knicks legends never could: deliver a championship to New York.
When the Knicks signed Brunson in 2022, many questioned whether he could be the best player on a contender, let alone best player on a team. Four years later, he silenced every critic.
The three-time all-star, three-time All-NBA selection, 2024-25 Clutch Player of the Year, NBA champion, and NBA Finals MVP has transformed the franchise.
Brunson has averaged 26 points and seven assists as a Knick and has become the most dominant offensive player the organization has seen in decades.
At just 29 years old, his story is still being written. A few more great seasons or another championship will push him to the top of the list.
The trade for Dave DeBusschere in 1968 changed the trajectory of Knicks history.
After arriving from Detroit, DeBusschere immediately became the defensive backbone of New York’s championship teams.
In five full seasons with the Knicks, he earned five All-Star selections, five NBA All-Defensive First Team honors, and helped lead the franchise to two championships.
Despite being undersized for his position, DeBusschere consistently guarded the opponent’s best player while averaging 16 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists.
His toughness and defensive excellence were essential to both the 1970 and 1973 title teams. Without DeBusschere, there’s a real shot the Knicks have no titles before 2026.
, Forward, 2011-2017, Syracuse
When the Knicks acquired Carmelo Anthony in February 2011, they brought one of the greatest scorers of all time to New York.
Anthony spent seven seasons with the franchise, earning six All-Star selections, two All-NBA honors, and capturing the NBA scoring title during the 2012-13 season.
While team success was limited, Anthony delivered countless unforgettable performances and routinely carried the Knicks offense.
He averaged 25 points, seven rebounds, and three assists during his time in New York while becoming one of the most prolific scorers the franchise has ever seen.
Although he never reached the NBA Finals with the Knicks, Anthony restored excitement to Madison Square Garden and remains one of the most beloved stars of the modern era.
Few players in NBA history could score the basketball quite like Bernard King.
During a difficult stretch for the Knicks in the 1980s, King gave fans a reason to believe. In just four seasons, he earned two All-Star selections, two All-NBA First Team honors, and finished second in MVP voting during the 1983-84 season.
King routinely overwhelmed defenders with his combination of strength and footwork, while having a shot-making ability beyond his years.
He averaged 26 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game while often carrying undermanned Knicks rosters.
Though injuries cut his prime short, the New York native’s offensive brilliance helped bridge the gap between the championship era and the arrival of Patrick Ewing.
Before the championships and before Madison Square Garden became basketball’s most famous arena, Richie Guerin was the face of Knicks basketball.
After serving in the military, Guerin joined New York and quickly became one of the NBA’s elite guards. He earned six All-Star selections and three All-NBA honors while regularly appearing in MVP discussions.
Playing during an era dominated by the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, Guerin still managed to draw crowds with his fiery style of play and elite scoring ability.
He averaged 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists as the franchise’s first true superstar.
Guerin later became an NBA Coach of the Year winner and remains one of the most important figures in early Knicks history.
Earl Monroe may be best remembered for his time with the Baltimore Bullets, but his years in New York cemented his place among Knicks legends.
“The Pearl” spent nine seasons with the Knicks, earning two All-Star selections, winning an NBA championship, and later being named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
Alongside Walt Frazier, Monroe formed one of the most entertaining duos in league history nicknamed “the Rolls Royce backcourt.” His dazzling ball-handling and creativity helped power New York to the 1973 NBA championship.
Despite often sacrificing individual numbers for team success, Monroe averaged 16 points, four assists, and three rebounds during his Knicks tenure.
His willingness to embrace a lesser role for the greater good made him one of the most unselfish stars in franchise history as a Hall of Famer.
It took until Harry Gallatin’s third season with the Knicks for him to truly break out and help put New York basketball on the map during the early days of the NBA.
A seven-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, Gallatin became one of the league’s premier rebounders during the 1950s. From 1951 through 1957, he anchored the Knicks on the glass while consistently providing double-digit scoring production.
The Hall of Famer averaged 13 points and 12 rebounds per game during his New York career and becamethe franchise’s first true two-way star.
Nicknamed “The Horse” for his relentless motor, Gallatin helped establish the foundation of Knicks basketball.
Without him, the franchise’s early success may never have materialized.
, Center, 2024-Present, Kentucky
In just two seasons with the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns helped bring an NBA championship back to New York while averaging 22 points and 12 rebounds per game. The hometown star quickly established himself as one of the premier big men in franchise history adding two All-Star selections and one All-NBA nod.
Allan Houston spent nine seasons with the Knicks, earning two NBA All-Star selections while averaging 19 points per game. He was a cornerstone of New York’s 1999 NBA Finals team and one of the most clutch shooters in franchise history.
After going undrafted, John Starks became one of the toughest and most beloved players in Knicks history being the second option on the 1990s teams. He earned an NBA All-Star selection, won the Sixth Man of the Year Award, and an NBA All-Defensive selection.
Bill Bradley was a key contributor on both of the Knicks championship teams in 1970 and 1973. The Hall of Famer combined intelligence and leadership throughout his decade in New York putting up 12 points a night.
, Forward, 2023-Present, Indiana
OG Anunoby has become one of the NBA’s elite two-way forwards and played a pivotal role in the Knicks 2026 championship run. His game-winning tip-in during Game Four of the 2026 NBA Finals instantly became one of the most iconic moments in franchise history while being an All-NBA defensive nominee who scores 17 points a game.
, Forward, 2019-2024, Kentucky
Julius Randle helped revive Knicks basketball, earning three NBA All-Star selections, two All-NBA Team honors and the 2020-21 Most Improved Player Award. His success laid the foundation for the championship culture that followed.
Known for his signature jump shot, Dick Barnett was a crucial member of the Knicks championship teams in 1970 and 1973. The Hall of Famer averaged 16 points per game during his New York career.
Michael Ray Richardson was one of the most talented defensive guards to ever wear a Knicks uniform, earning three NBA All-Star selections and two NBA All-Defensive Team honors. He averaged 14 points, seven assists and three steals per game during his time in New York.
Charles Oakley embodied the toughness of 1990s Knicks basketball with his physical play and relentless rebounding. A one-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection, he remains one of the franchise’s most respected figures.
Carl Braun was one of the first stars in Knicks history, earning five NBA All-Star selections during his 14 seasons with the franchise. The Hall of Famer helped establish the foundation of professional basketball in New York.
, Forward, 2010-2015, Cypress Creek HS (FL)
, Forward, 2023- Present, Villanova
, Guard, 2024-Present, Villanova
, Center, 2011-2014, Dominguez HS (CA)
, Center, 2018-Present, Western Kentucky
, Forward, 2005-2010, Florida
, Guard, 1987-1992, St. Johns
, Guard, 2004-2009, Michigan
, Forward, 1996-2001, UNLV
, Guard, 2011-2015, St. Benedicts Prep (NJ)
, Guard, 2019-2023, Duke
, Guard, 2022-Present, West Virginia
, Forward, 2007-2009, Michigan State
, Guard, 2016-2017, 2020-2023, Memphis
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jalen Brunson, 50 all-time Knicks ranked
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
