Who are the top 10 greatest New York Knicks?

Here are ten New York legends of the NBA court:

New York Knicks fans have witnessed greatness walk the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden. As one of the NBA’s original franchises, the Knicks have a rich basketball history filled with unforgettable players. Let’s take a courtside seat and revisit the top ten New York Knicks players of all time, exploring their on-court dominance and lasting legacies.

1. Walt “Clyde” Frazier

• Knicks Tenure: 1967-1977
• Accolades: 2x NBA Champion, 7x NBA All-Star, NBA All-Defensive First Team
• Legacy: The embodiment of “New York Knicks basketball”, Frazier’s smooth playmaking, steals, and clutch performances led the Knicks to their only two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. His flashy style on and off the court made him a true icon of the era.

2. Patrick Ewing

• Knicks Tenure: 1985-2000
• Accolades: 11x NBA All-Star, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, NBA Rookie of the Year
• Legacy: The heart and soul of the Knicks during the gritty 1990s, Ewing was a force in the paint. His relentless scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking made him one of the most dominant centers of his era, though an NBA championship frustratingly eluded him. However, he remains the Knicks’ all-time leader in several key statistical categories.

3. Willis Reed

• Knicks Tenure: 1964-1974
• Accolades: 2x NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP, 7x NBA All-Star, NBA MVP
• Legacy: Willis Reed’s inspirational performance in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, where he played severely injured, is one of the most legendary moments in NBA history. On top of this iconic moment, his dominance on both ends of the floor made him a true Knicks legend.

4. Bill Bradley

• Knicks Tenure: 1967-1977
• Accolades: 2x NBA Champion, NBA All-Star, Rhodes Scholar, US Senator
• Legacy: Known for his intelligence, team-first mentality, and reliable jump shot, Bradley was a key piece of the Knicks’ championship teams. He later became a successful politician, showcasing his brilliance beyond the basketball court.

5. Earl “The Pearl” Monroe

• Knicks Tenure: 1971-1980
• Accolades: NBA Champion, 4x NBA All-Star, Hall of Famer
• Legacy: Earl Monroe’s dazzling dribbling, flashy spin moves, and scoring ability made him one of the NBA’s most exciting players. A true crowd-pleaser, he earned his nickname honestly and added flair to the Knicks’ legacy.

6. Dave DeBusschere

• Knicks Tenure: 1968-1974
• Accolades: 2x NBA Champion, 8x NBA All-Star, Naismith Hall of Famer
• Legacy: A defensive force and fierce competitor, DeBusschere played a pivotal role in the Knicks’ championship wins. His rebounding and intensity made him a fan favorite and, later, he transitioned into a successful front-office role with the team.

7. Carmelo Anthony

• Knicks Tenure: 2011-2017
• Accolades: NBA Scoring Champion, 10x NBA All-Star
• Legacy: “Melo” revived Knicks basketball with his electric scoring ability. A lethal offensive weapon, he could create his own shot effortlessly and brought excitement back to Madison Square Garden.

8. Charles Oakley

• Knicks Tenure: 1988-1998
• Accolades: NBA All-Star, NBA All-Defensive First Team
• Legacy: The quintessential enforcer of the ’90s Knicks. Oakley’s toughness, rebounding prowess, and unwavering leadership were integral to the Knicks’ identity as a hard-nosed, defensive team.

9. Richie Guerin

• Knicks Tenure: 1956-1963
• Accolades: 6x NBA All-Star, Hall of Famer
• Legacy: A high-scoring guard, Guerin’s offensive production anchored the Knicks in their early years. He later transitioned into coaching, further solidifying his legacy with the franchise.

10. Dick Barnett

• Knicks Tenure: 1965-1974
• Accolades: 2x NBA Champion
• Legacy: A sharpshooting guard known for his clutch perimeter shooting, Barnett was a key member of the Knicks’ championship teams and made opponents pay for leaving him with any space.

“When the Garden Was Eden”

“When the Garden Was Eden” is a nostalgic sports documentary directed by Michael Rapaport that captures the electrifying spirit of the New York Knicks during their championship reign in the early 1970s. The film offers a vibrant glimpse into this iconic era, exploring not just the team’s athletic dominance but their profound connection to the ever-evolving social and cultural landscape of New York City.

At the heart of the documentary are captivating interviews with star Knicks players like Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Willis Reed, Bill Bradley, Phil Jackson, and others. These legends share personal stories, revealing the unique bond, relentless work ethic, and selfless team-oriented style that propelled them to two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973.

Beyond individual anecdotes, “When the Garden Was Eden” explores how the Knicks became a unifying symbol for a city grappling with social and political change. With a diverse roster and a dynamic style of play, the Knicks embodied a sense of possibility and togetherness that resonated with New Yorkers across all backgrounds.

The film highlights the infectious energy that filled Madison Square Garden during those legendary seasons. Blending archival footage, player interviews, and cultural commentary, “When the Garden Was Eden” resurrects the intensity of those championship runs and showcases the team’s lasting impact on the game of basketball. It’s a must-watch for Knicks fans and anyone passionate about the history of sports and its power to transcend the court.