New York Knicks: Building An All-Time Starting Five

Center: Patrick Ewing

There’s no player more beloved amongst New York Knicks fans than center Patrick Ewing. He was the heart and soul of the storied teams of the 1990s, leaving it all on the court as a ferocious competitor who never truly received the respect he deserved.

Thus, it wouldn’t be rational to build this starting five without putting Big Pat at center.

Ewing led the Knicks to 13 consecutive postseason appearances between 1988 and 2000. The most shocking aspect of that 13-year run: not once during that time did Ewing have a teammate who went on to make the Hall of Fame.

If that isn’t a sign of an individual player’s extraordinary value to an organization, what is?

Ewing, who is a Hall of Famer, was an outstanding offensive player and a true defensive anchor. He was lethal from midrange, excelled in the post, was a wonderful passer, and could feast via the pick-and-roll—and he did all of this while dominating the boards and setting the tone defensively.

Ewing is the Knicks’ all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals. To exclude him from this list would be an egregious offense.

Next: Sixth Man