2. Walt Frazier
Walt Frazier is synonymous with two things, and rightfully so: defense and style. He dressed to impress, was stylin’ and profilin’ before Ric Flair and locked many a great scorer down from start-to-finish.
It doesn’t hurt that Frazier could pour in points and rack up assists at a moment’s notice.
Frazier ran point for New York’s only two championship teams, starring in 1970 and 1973. He made the All-Defensive First Team seven times, was All-NBA another six and finished with seven All-Star Game appearances to his name.
The true measure of Frazier’s greatness was in the postseason.
Willis Reed won Finals MVP, but Frazier’s 1970 NBA Finals ranks amongst the best of all-time. In the decisive Game 7—yes, the one where an injured Reed trots out—Frazier put up 36 points and 19 assists with some clutch heroics to boot.
That game embodied the story of Frazier’s career: whether he received the spotlight or not, he was going to shine.
Next: The MVP