🏀Best New York Knicks Players of All Time
Ranking the greatest Knicks players pits franchise icons against modern stars in a debate over rings, longevity, scoring bursts, and defensive dominance that defined Madison Square Garden eras. The stakes are bragging rights for the most passionate fanbase in the NBA and settling which careers truly moved the needle for a team with one title. Vote to shape the order.
What counts: Best means Knicks impact via titles, individual accolades, scoring/defense, and longevity with the franchise; figures are approximate career Knicks averages or totals.
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 Yourlist Editorialin 2 rankingsWalt Frazier
24Ewing 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 Yourlist Editorialin 6 rankingsPatrick Ewing
18DeBusschere 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 Yourlist EditorialDave DeBusschere
17Reed 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 Yourlist Editorialin 2 rankingsWillis Reed
14Houston 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 Yourlist EditorialAllan Houston
12Melo 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 Yourlist Editorialin 2 rankingsCarmelo Anthony
11Bradley 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 Yourlist EditorialBill Bradley
9King 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 Yourlist Editorialin 2 rankingsBernard King
8Starks 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 Yourlist EditorialJohn Starks
7Jackson 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 Yourlist EditorialMark Jackson
7Stoudemire 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 Yourlist Editorialin 2 rankingsAmar'e Stoudemire
6Haywood 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 Yourlist EditorialSpencer Haywood
6McAdoo 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 Yourlist EditorialBob McAdoo
5Johnson 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 Yourlist EditorialLarry Johnson
5Oakley 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 Yourlist EditorialCharles Oakley
4Barnett 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 Yourlist EditorialDick Barnett
3Porzingis 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 Yourlist EditorialKristaps Porziņģis
1Wilkins 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 Yourlist EditorialGerald Wilkins
1Richardson 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 Yourlist EditorialMicheal Ray Richardson
0Monroe 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 Yourlist EditorialEarl Monroe
-1Tucker 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 Yourlist EditorialTrent Tucker
-4Rambis 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 Yourlist EditorialKurt Rambis
-4Mason 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 Yourlist EditorialAnthony Mason
-4Brunson 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 Yourlist EditorialJalen Brunson
-7Hardaway 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 Yourlist EditorialTim Hardaway Jr.
-9Chandler 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 Yourlist EditorialWilson Chandler
-12Russell 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 Yourlist EditorialCazzie Russell
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