New York Knicks: 25 Greatest Players of All-Time

25. Jerry Lucas

On the all-time spectrum, Jerry Lucas is one of the most respected men in basketball history. Not only was he a seven-time All-Star in the NBA, but he was the first player to win at least one title at the NBA, collegiate and high school levels.

Lucas’ time with the New York Knicks was brief and not quite as individually glorious, but that final title came as a key member of the 1973 championship team.

Lucas was a monster during his first season with the Knicks, averaging 16.7 points, 13.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists on 51.2 percent shooting from the field. According to Basketball-Reference.com, Lucas is the only player in franchise history to average at least 16.0 points, 13.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists.

During 16 appearances in the 1972 NBA Playoffs, he averaged an unfathomable 46.1 minutes played per game.

The following season, Lucas’ statistics declined and his value increased. He played a vital role in New York’s run to the 1973 NBA title, which is why he’s on this list.

The likes of Kenny Sears and Ray Williams could’ve found their way into the No. 25 spot, but Lucas earned this selection during the 1973 championship season.

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