New York Knicks: Greatest Careers Derailed By Injuries

1. Willis Reed

Knicks Years: 1964 to 1974
Position: Center, Power Forward
Career Knicks Averages: 35.5 MPG, 18.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 2.5 ORPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 BPG
Career Knicks Accolades: 2x NBA Champion, 2x Finals MVP, 1970 NBA MVP, All-NBA First Team, 4x All-NBA Second Team, All-Defensive First Team, 7x All-Star, 1970 All-Star Game MVP

Note: Blocks and offensive rebounds per game weren’t recorded as official statistics until Reed’s final season: 1973-74.

For those with a loose grasp on the history of the New York Knicks and NBA, this may come as a surprise. Willis Reed won two NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and the 1970 NBA MVP award.

Unfortunately, Reed succumbed to incessant injuries during the prime of his Hall of Fame career.

Reed turned 31 years of age leading into the final season of his illustrious NBA career. The final three years of his career were marred by injuries, meaning he wasn’t healthy at the ages of 29, 30, or 31—peak years.

For perspective: Reed was named MVP, Finals MVP, and All-Star Game MVP during his final healthy NBA season.

He also made the All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive First Team, and All-star Game.

Even in 1970-71, when the injuries began to catch up with Reed, he averaged 20.9 points and 13.7 rebounds per game. He won a second NBA championship and Finals MVP award in 1973, but he was a shell of his former self.

New York won its only two championships with Reed as the featured player and Finals MVP.

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One can only imagine how many more titles the Knicks would’ve won had Reed not fallen victim to injuries.