🏀Best New York Knicks Players of All Time

Walt Frazier▲ Rising

Frazier orchestrated the 1970 and 1973 championship teams with unmatched defense and playmaking, earning the nickname Clyde for his flashy style. His defensive masterclass in the 1970 Finals helped shut down the Lakers. Frazier remains the gold standard for Knicks point guard play.

Tenure: 1967-1977PPG: 18.9Championships: 2All-Stars: 7Hall of Fame: ✓

added by IJRin 2 rankingsWalt Frazier

Patrick Ewing▲ Rising

Ewing anchored the Knicks for 15 seasons as the face of the franchise's 90s contention, leading them to two Finals appearances with elite shot-blocking and mid-range scoring. His signature moment came in the 1994 playoffs when he carried a depleted roster to the brink of a title. No other Knick combined that level of sustained excellence and defensive identity.

Tenure: 1985-2000PPG: 21.5Championships: 0All-Stars: 11Hall of Fame: ✓

added by IJRin 6 rankingsPatrick Ewing

Dave DeBusschere▲ Rising

DeBusschere brought championship experience and two-way play when traded to the Knicks, becoming the defensive anchor for the 1970 and 1973 titles. His rebounding and physicality complemented Reed and Frazier perfectly. He epitomized the gritty, winning identity of those championship squads.

Tenure: 1968-1974PPG: 16Championships: 2All-Stars: 4Hall of Fame: ✓

added by IJRDave DeBusschere

Willis Reed

Reed defined the 1970 championship Knicks with leadership and toughness, famously limping onto the court in Game 7 of the Finals to inspire the win. He earned MVP honors that year while anchoring the frontcourt alongside Frazier and DeBusschere. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and heart set the standard for Knicks bigs.

Tenure: 1964-1974PPG: 18.7Championships: 2All-Stars: 7Hall of Fame: ✓

added by IJRin 2 rankingsWillis Reed

Allan Houston

Houston delivered silky mid-range scoring and clutch shooting during the late 90s Knicks playoff runs. His game-winner against the Heat in the 1999 playoffs remains iconic. He helped keep the Knicks competitive in the post-Ewing transition.

Tenure: 1996-2005PPG: 17.3Championships: 0All-Stars: 2Hall of Fame: —

added by IJRAllan Houston

Carmelo Anthony▲ Rising

Melo delivered the highest-scoring stretch in modern Knicks history, carrying the 2012-13 team to the playoffs with isolation scoring and clutch buckets. His 62-point masterpiece against the Bobcats highlighted his offensive peak. He revived interest in the franchise during a lean era.

Tenure: 2011-2017PPG: 22.3Championships: 0All-Stars: 6Hall of Fame: ✓

added by IJRin 2 rankingsCarmelo Anthony

Bill Bradley

Bradley provided sharpshooting and basketball IQ for the 1970 and 1973 championship Knicks while later becoming a U.S. Senator. His clutch shooting in big moments helped space the floor for Reed and Frazier. He remains the rare player whose Knicks legacy spans sports and politics.

Tenure: 1967-1977PPG: 12.4Championships: 2All-Stars: 1Hall of Fame: ✓

added by IJRBill Bradley

Bernard King

King exploded for 50-plus point games and led the Knicks in scoring during the mid-80s before a devastating knee injury. His 1984-85 season remains one of the most efficient high-volume scoring campaigns in franchise history. King proved the Knicks could feature a pure scorer at the highest level.

Tenure: 1982-1987PPG: 26.4Championships: 0All-Stars: 4Hall of Fame: ✓

added by IJRin 2 rankingsBernard King

John Starks▲ Rising

Starks became a fan favorite with his fiery defense and three-point shooting, including the memorable dunk over Michael Jordan. He helped carry the 1994 Knicks to the Finals as a sixth man turned starter. Starks represented the heart and hustle of those contending teams.

Tenure: 1990-1998PPG: 13.9Championships: 0All-Stars: 1Hall of Fame: —

added by IJRJohn Starks

Mark Jackson▲ Rising

Jackson ran the point with vision and leadership during the late 80s and early 90s, setting up Ewing and the offense. His steady playmaking helped the Knicks reach the playoffs consistently. He remains beloved for his Knicks roots and later broadcasting work.

Tenure: 1987-1992PPG: 12.9Championships: 0All-Stars: 1Hall of Fame: —

added by IJRMark Jackson

Amar'e Stoudemire

Stoudemire brought athleticism and scoring punch to the Knicks in 2010, teaming with Carmelo to revive excitement. His dunks and energy gave the franchise its first real star power in years. He helped end the long playoff drought.

Tenure: 2010-2015PPG: 17.1Championships: 0All-Stars: 1Hall of Fame: —

added by IJRin 2 rankingsAmar'e Stoudemire

Spencer Haywood

Haywood provided scoring and rebounding during the early 70s Knicks stretch, adding frontcourt depth to the championship roster. His athleticism and mid-range game fit the team-first system. He contributed to the 1973 title as a key rotation piece.

Tenure: 1975-1979PPG: 17.2Championships: 1All-Stars: 4Hall of Fame: ✓

added by IJRSpencer Haywood

Bob McAdoo

McAdoo brought scoring prowess and a championship pedigree late in his career, adding frontcourt scoring to the 80s Knicks. His efficient mid-range game provided veteran production. He helped stabilize the team during a transitional period.

Tenure: 1981-1985PPG: 13.2Championships: 0All-Stars: 5Hall of Fame: ✓

added by IJRBob McAdoo

Larry Johnson▲ Rising

Johnson added scoring and veteran leadership to the late 90s Knicks, bringing playoff experience from Charlotte. His mid-range game and toughness helped push the 1999 Finals run. He provided frontcourt scoring depth.

Tenure: 1996-2001PPG: 12.5Championships: 0All-Stars: 2Hall of Fame: —

added by IJRLarry Johnson

Charles Oakley

Oakley embodied the 90s Knicks physicality with relentless rebounding and defense that protected Ewing. His enforcer presence helped the team reach the 1994 and 1999 Finals. Oakley defined the gritty, tough identity fans loved during that era.

Tenure: 1988-1998PPG: 10.4Championships: 0All-Stars: 1Hall of Fame: —

added by IJRCharles Oakley

Dick Barnett

Barnett supplied steady scoring and championship experience for the 1970 Knicks as a reliable wing. His smooth jumper and veteran presence helped stabilize the offense. He remains an underrated piece of the first title team.

Tenure: 1965-1974PPG: 15.6Championships: 2All-Stars: 1Hall of Fame: —

added by IJRDick Barnett

Kristaps Porzingis▲ Rising

Porzingis brought stretch-big potential and shot-blocking as the Knicks' 2015 draft pick, showing flashes of superstar talent before injuries. His 2017-18 season included multiple 40-point games. He represented the modern stretch-five archetype for the franchise.

Tenure: 2015-2019PPG: 18.1Championships: 0All-Stars: 1Hall of Fame: —

added by IJR

Gerald Wilkins

Wilkins provided athletic wing scoring and defense in the late 80s Knicks rotation, adding energy and transition play. His dunking ability excited fans during the rebuilding years. He helped bridge the gap to the Ewing contention era.

Tenure: 1985-1992PPG: 12.2Championships: 0All-Stars: 0Hall of Fame: —

added by IJRGerald Wilkins

Michael Ray Richardson

Richardson dazzled with all-around play and defense in the early 80s, earning All-Star nods and leading the league in steals. His triple-double ability gave the Knicks a dynamic guard before personal issues derailed his career. He represented untapped potential during a rebuilding period.

Tenure: 1978-1982PPG: 15.4Championships: 0All-Stars: 4Hall of Fame: —

added by IJR

Earl Monroe

Monroe brought flashy scoring and creativity to the Knicks after joining from Baltimore, helping win the 1973 title. His one-on-one moves and clutch play complemented Frazier perfectly. He added offensive flair to the championship core.

Tenure: 1971-1980PPG: 16.2Championships: 1All-Stars: 4Hall of Fame: ✓

added by IJREarl Monroe

Trent Tucker

Tucker delivered three-point shooting and hustle as a reliable bench player during the 80s and early 90s. His clutch shots and defense added value to contending teams. He became a fan favorite for his blue-collar contributions.

Tenure: 1982-1992PPG: 8.6Championships: 0All-Stars: 0Hall of Fame: —

added by IJRTrent Tucker

Kurt Rambis

Rambis brought championship experience and rebounding to the late 80s Knicks, adding toughness off the bench. His blue-collar style fit the physical identity of the team. He provided veteran stability during the Ewing years.

Tenure: 1988-1990PPG: 5Championships: 4All-Stars: 0Hall of Fame: —

added by IJRKurt Rambis

Anthony Mason

Mason brought physicality and versatility to the 90s Knicks as a tough forward who could guard multiple positions. His gritty play and rebounding helped the team reach the 1994 and 1999 Finals. He epitomized the hard-nosed style of those teams.

Tenure: 1991-1996PPG: 9.2Championships: 0All-Stars: 1Hall of Fame: —

added by IJRAnthony Mason

Jalen Brunson

Brunson has emerged as the Knicks' current leader with elite playoff scoring and leadership that carried them deep into the postseason. His 2023 playoff heroics against the Cavs and Heat established him as the face of the new era. He has restored winning basketball to the Garden.

Tenure: 2022-presentPPG: 20.5Championships: 0All-Stars: 1Hall of Fame: —

added by IJRJalen Brunson

Tim Hardaway Jr.

Hardaway Jr. provided shooting and scoring bursts as a Knicks draft pick who returned in free agency, adding perimeter spacing. His three-point volume helped modernize the offense during the Porzingis era. He gave fans exciting moments in a lean period.

Tenure: 2013-2015, 2017-2019PPG: 14.3Championships: 0All-Stars: 0Hall of Fame: —

added by IJRTim Hardaway Jr.

Wilson Chandler

Chandler offered athletic wing play and scoring during the post-Ewing rebuild, providing versatility and energy. His ability to guard multiple positions and score in transition helped the young Knicks. He represented a bridge to better times.

Tenure: 2007-2011PPG: 13Championships: 0All-Stars: 0Hall of Fame: —

added by IJRWilson Chandler

Cazzie Russell▼ Falling

Russell delivered scoring punch off the bench during the late 60s Knicks, providing instant offense before the championship era. His athleticism and shooting stretched defenses. He helped lay the foundation for the 1970 title team.

Tenure: 1966-1970PPG: 15.1Championships: 0All-Stars: 1Hall of Fame: —

added by IJRCazzie Russell