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New York Knicks: Building An All-Time Starting Five

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 10, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Patrick Ewing against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Hornets defeated the Timberwolves 104-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Patrick Ewing against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Hornets defeated the Timberwolves 104-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Shooting Guard: Earl Monroe

The great debate at shooting guard comes down to three New York Knicks legends: Allan Houston, Earl Monroe, and John Starks. Houston is an all-time shooter, and Starks is a genuine fan favorite, but The Pearl wins this battle by a significant margin.

And thus, the Knicks’ all-time starting five features the same backcourt that helped it win the 1973 NBA championship.

The Rolls Royce Backcourt wasn’t supposed to work. Monroe and Walt Frazier had egos that spanned than the island of Manhattan, which made their hypothetical coexistence nothing short of improbable.

Yet, in 1973, Frazier and Monroe silenced all critics by helping the Knicks win a second championship.

For those unfamiliar, Monroe is one of the most gifted scorers to ever grace the hardwood. Knee injuries prevented his ascension of the all-time scoring list, but his prowess in the open court, ingenuity as a finisher, and creativity in isolation made him a fan favorite and matchup nightmare.

One of the most influential players in NBA history, Monroe could hold his own against any shooting guard who’s ever played the game.

Next: Small Forward

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