The Madison Square Garden Icons

As one of the NBA's founding franchises, the New York Knicks have cultivated a legacy shaped by extraordinary athletes who transformed basketball culture. Let's explore the three pillars of Knicks history whose impact still echoes through the Garden's rafters.

1. Walt "Clyde" Frazier: The Architect of Cool

Career Highlights

The ultimate big-game performer led the Knicks to their only championships (1970, 1973) while redefining point guard excellence. His signature Game 7 performance in the 1970 Finals (36 points, 19 assists) remains the gold standard for clutch play.

By the Numbers

• 7× All-Star | 4× All-NBA First Team | 7× All-Defensive Team
• Career averages: 18.9 PPG | 6.1 APG | 5.9 RPG
• NBA 50th & 75th Anniversary Team member

2. Patrick Ewing: The Heart of Modern Gotham

Career Highlights

The 1985 No. 1 pick carried New York basketball through the Jordan era, reaching two NBA Finals (1994, 1999). His textbook jump shot and defensive presence made MSG the league's toughest road game.

By the Numbers

• 11× All-Star | 1990 All-NBA First Team | 3× All-Defensive Second Team
• Franchise leader: 23,665 points | 10,759 rebounds | 2,758 blocks
• 1992 Olympic Dream Team anchor

3. Willis Reed: The Warrior Spirit

Career Highlights

His legendary Game 7 entrance in the 1970 Finals (playing through torn thigh muscle) became the ultimate leadership moment. The two-time Finals MVP formed the backbone of New York's championship identity.

By the Numbers

• 1965 Rookie of the Year | 7× All-Star | 1970 MVP
• Career averages: 18.7 PPG | 12.9 RPG | 1.8 APG
• First player to win All-Star, Regular Season, and Finals MVP in same year

The Championship Blueprint

Red Holzman's 1970s squads perfected team basketball, with Frazier's backcourt mastery and Reed's interior dominance creating a blueprint that still iNFLuences modern NBA strategies. The 1990s Ewing era brought physical, defense-first basketball that defined Eastern Conference rivalries.

Legacy Beyond Championships

While the Knicks chase their first title in 50 years, these legends remind us that greatness isn't just measured in rings. Frazier's cultural impact (pioneering athlete fashion), Ewing's Olympic dominance, and Reed's coaching success all extended their influence beyond Madison Square Garden.

Honorable Mentions

• Earl "The Pearl" Monroe: Backcourt partner to Frazier
• Dave DeBusschere: Defensive anchor of championship teams
• Carmelo Anthony: 2013 Scoring Champion