For decades, this team has shown that they’re always around to play ball but which ones are the absolute best? Let’s head to the court and relive a little history. These are my top 5 favorite Knicks players! 

#5: Jalen Brunson(2022-present) 

Even though he’s slowly but surely becoming the new face of the Knicks, we can’t forget some of the great things that he did to etch his name in Knicks history. From getting the team out of a decade loss and finishing fifth in MVP voting in 2023-24. I still say one of his best moments was taking a sizable discount in extension negotiations, giving the team their competitive roster and the end result being back-to-back appearances in the conference finals. While Brunson’s time with the Knicks is still going, it’s clear he’s already left his mark and being one tough Knick that’s hard to beat. 

#4: Bernard King(1982-87)

While Bernard’s time with the Knicks was short-lived due to his constant knee injuries, we can’t forget the impact that he left with the Knicks. From having 32.9 points in 84-85, making that the greatest offensive peak in the Knicks’ history as well as being the MVP runner-up in 1983-84 and the first of two All-NBA campaigns. Even though he’s often remembered more for his injuries and stumbles in 85-86 and 87, I think he should be remembered more for when he was at his peak and that peak isn’t too shabby on the best players list. 

#3: Dave DeBusschere(1968-74)

While he didn’t exactly stick around long enough to set any records for the Knicks, he did give the team exactly what they needed when it came to defense as well as winning 2 championships in 1970 and 73. He also scored a First-Team All-NBA Defensive selection in all 5 of his 6 seasons and helped the team reach the conference finals each season during his time and finishing in the top 11 of MVP voting three times is not a bad way to go out. While he may not have been the leading scorer, he gave the team and franchise exactly what they needed in the early 70s and that’s more than point worthy. 

#2: Willis Reed(1964-74)

Even though his career was cut short due to repeating knee injuries, here are 3 reasons why I put Willis as number 2. First reason is him being a great rebounder, averaging 13 per game and holding the single season rebounding record with 1,191 in 1968-69. Another reason is him helping the team to two championships as well as playing through an awful thigh injury in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals that helped motivate the team in what would be an amazing win over the Lakers. One last reason is being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982 and having his jersey retired at Madison Square Garden. While he may not be seen as the face of the Knicks, I still say Willis Reed is a pretty awesome player. 

#1: Walt Frazier(1964-74)

Yeah, you know you can’t have a Knicks list without mentioning the legend himself: Walt Frazier. From averaging 20 points per game in 6 consecutive seasons as well as being the all time leader in both assist and triple-double. Also, being a seven time All-Star and seven time NBA First team All-Defensive Season and having a total of 4,598 rebounds is nothing to sneeze at. Also, being at last Friday’s game and showing his award rings to support the team was pretty sweet and shows why he’s still a fan-favorite after all these years and will always be the great of the Knicks.