Willis Reed
One could very easily make the case that Willis Reed is the greatest player in franchise history. He’s the only New York Knicks player to win MVP and was the Finals MVP during the franchise’s only two championship runs.
According to Christian Red of The New York Daily News, the most decorated champion in franchise history is firmly in Jeff Hornacek’s corner.
"“I like Hornacek. My wife don’t like him, because we used to play him when I was (coaching) at Creighton and he was playing for Johnny Orr (at Iowa State). He used to beat the hell out of us,” says Reed, laughing. “She never liked him. But those were the old days. I liked the way he played the game. I wish him well.”"
Reed may not be an active player, but his opinion is as valued in New York as any man’s.
Reed has seen his fair share of highs and lows as a member and alumni of the Knicks organization. He was one of the few bright spots during a lackluster stretch in the 1960s and led the resurrection of the organization in the 1970s.
Thus, while Reed will always be supportive of the Knicks, he’s not exactly inclined to lie to make the fans feel better.
Reed has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in New York, which gives him unique perspective.
The good news for Hornacek is that, as Reed alluded to, his experience as a player has translated into his coaching. Hornacek played both guard spots during his college and professional careers, and studied under some of the greatest minds in basketball history.
Between Cotton Fitzsimmons, Johnny Orr, and Jerry Sloan, Hornacek comes from one heck of a coaching tree.
Next: Lance Thomas