| 02 October 2010
There are a few franchises that have such a depth of history, that selecting a mere 5 players is incredibly difficult (hell, selecting 10 for the Lakers was tough!). The New York Knickerbockers are one such franchise. So many good players... but that's in direct conflict with the roster they're trotting out today - tho' hopefully that will change in the not too distant future.
Well, hopefully at least for Knicks-fans!
The top ten New Knickerbockers of all time!
5. Vernon Earl Monroe - Earl the Pearl Monroe. Part of the "Rolls Royce Backcourt". Amazing skills, he seemingly had the ball on a string.
Also known as "Black Jesus", his ability was sheer poetry in motion. He once said of his own game "You know, I watch the games and even now I never see anyone who reminds me of me, the way I played."
That may read as somewhat egotistical, but just go look at some game-film. You'll get it.
Also known as "Black Jesus", his ability was sheer poetry in motion. He once said of his own game "You know, I watch the games and even now I never see anyone who reminds me of me, the way I played."
That may read as somewhat egotistical, but just go look at some game-film. You'll get it.
4. David Albert DeBusschere - One of the primary reasons the '70/'73 Knicks got their titles, DeBusschere was a fearsome rebounder, one of the best players in the 4-slot for his entire generation. Just a physical beast - a nightmare to match up on.
A fair baseballer too - he once pitched a shut-out for the Chicago White Sox (one of only 12 players to play both NBA/MLB).
A fair baseballer too - he once pitched a shut-out for the Chicago White Sox (one of only 12 players to play both NBA/MLB).
3. Walt Frazier - The other half of the "Rolls Royce Backcourt", when Clyde retired, nearly every record for the Knicks was his. Points, games, minutes, FGA, FGM, FTA, FTM, and assists. The career Patrick Ewing had beat most of those, but the assists total still belongs to Walt Frazier.
Clyde was really the first player to make "steals" into an actual 'skill'. Possessing phenomenal court vision, Frazier would often appear to not be paying attention. This was never true, yet worked time and time again.
Clyde was really the first player to make "steals" into an actual 'skill'. Possessing phenomenal court vision, Frazier would often appear to not be paying attention. This was never true, yet worked time and time again.
2. Willis Reed, Jr. - When you think of "Basketball Warriors", is Willis Reed's name ever far from the top of the list? Hell no.
Reed made an immediate impact on the Knicks. Playing at either center (his preferred position) or PF, Reed played basketball "the Knick way" - which is to say hard, and physical.
His most famous moment is considered by most to be the greatest moment in the history of Madison Square Garden, when during game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Lakers, he started the game - even tho' most thought he wouldn't play due to a severely torn thigh muscle. He scored the first two FGs for the Knicks, and his presence ignited the team - they went on to win.
Reed made an immediate impact on the Knicks. Playing at either center (his preferred position) or PF, Reed played basketball "the Knick way" - which is to say hard, and physical.
His most famous moment is considered by most to be the greatest moment in the history of Madison Square Garden, when during game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Lakers, he started the game - even tho' most thought he wouldn't play due to a severely torn thigh muscle. He scored the first two FGs for the Knicks, and his presence ignited the team - they went on to win.
1. Patrick Aloysius Ewing - Many consider Willis Reed the top ever Knickerbocker, due to Ewing never having won a title... but I'm not going to penalise a guy due to the presence of Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olujawon.
If Reed was a warrior, Ewing was just as much so. A great player on a very good team, Ewing took his Knicks so close - but the presence of Jordan and ultimately The Dream were just more than New York could overcome.
If Reed was a warrior, Ewing was just as much so. A great player on a very good team, Ewing took his Knicks so close - but the presence of Jordan and ultimately The Dream were just more than New York could overcome.
Coming up next - the Oklahoma City Thunder!
