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New York Knicks: Greatest Careers Derailed By Injuries

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 5, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire (1) looks on during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire (1) looks on during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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4. Larry Johnson

Knicks Years: 1996 to 2001
Position: Forward
Career Knicks Averages: 33.5 MPG, 12.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.8 ORPG, 2.3 APG, 0.6 3PM
Career Knicks Accolades: 1999 NBA Finals Appearance

Larry Johnson encountered back issues before he joined the New York Knicks. True as that may be, he wasn’t truly slowed down by the injury until he was traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Knicks in 1996.

LJ may have been stopped in his tracks by back problems, but Grandmama is still one of the greatest Knicks of all-time.

Johnson’s bad back hurt him in countless ways, but nothing was more damaging than the loss of his post game. Jonson was one of the best post players in the NBA, but couldn’t continue working with his back to the basket for obvious reasons.

Johnson also lost some of the explosiveness that made him a household name as a transition terror and above-the-rim sensation.

Despite the injuries, Johnson still played an iconic role in the Knicks reaching the 1999 NBA Finals. His four-point play is right behind a certain NBA Finals comeback as, arguably, the most recognizable moment in franchise history.

Had Johnson’s back not given him so much trouble, the Knicks would’ve had a very legitimate opportunity to win the 1999 NBA championship.

Next: The Lost Piece