2K Sports has revealed its all-time rosters for the upcoming release of NBA 2K18. Which New York Knicks legends were snubbed from the team?
NBA2K18’s addition of all-time teams is an exciting new feature to the game that will give fans the opportunity to play with their favorite franchise’s greatest players on next generation consoles. Much in the same way I only look forward to WWE games to play with wrestlers from my childhood, I can’t wait to score 50 with New York Knicks legend John Starks.
However, as these “all-time” lists usually go, 2K’s Knicks roster is rife for debate. Does Kristaps Porzinigs deserve to be on the team? How is Bernard King only rated at 89? Where is Latrell Spewell?
Since the Carmelo Anthony trade rumors to have died, and there isn’t much else going on, here’s a list of the snubbed Knicks who should have missed the team.
The Starters
G: Jeremy Lin (Rating: 99)
Linsanity was the most exciting time I can recall watching the Knicks since their 1999 NBA Finals run. In the 10 games where he reached his peak of Linsanity, he averaged 24.6 points and 9.2 assists per game on 49.7 percent shooting with two Sports Illustrated covers and one spell-binding game winner.
We all knew it wasn’t sustainable, but it was magical to watch and was probably the last time Knicks fans were unified in their excitement for the team.
The Linsanity version of Jeremy Lin would rival NBA Live’s “roster player” in his ability to dominate. He’d arguably be the most anticipated player in 2K18 game next to Hoodie Melo.
G: Jamal Crawford (Rating: 85)
Knicks fans forget the time Jamal Crawford was a prized free agency acquisition and dedicated crunch time performer. Watching Crawford wasn’t always enjoyable, but much like today, when he was hot, he seemed un-guardable.
From his incredible handle to shooting from near half-court before Stephen Curry made that part of his repertoire, Crawford was one of the few exciting parts of the mid-2000 Knicks.
F: Latrell Sprewell (Rating: 92)
Latrell Sprewell doesn’t need elaborating on as to why he’s on this team. His omission from the all-time team is the most puzzling one there is, and it seems like an oversight by 2K. With all due respect, Sprewell certainly should be there over Mark Jackson.
The man who led the Knicks in scoring during the run to the 1999 NBA Finals should have been an easy inclusion.
F: David Lee (87)
David Lee was a fan favorite who received early comparisons to Charles Oakley due to his propensity for rebounds and garbage buckets, and his lunch pail persona. Over the years, those comparisons were quickly dropped as Lee proved himself to be an efficient scorer who did the best he could despite being overmatched playing center.
Still, he flourished into an All-Star out West, and was a major part of the Golden State Warrior’s resurgence.
F/C: Anthony Mason (84)
If Sprewell was the biggest snub on the 2K All-time team, Mason was the second. Though he wasn’t an all-star, he was the heart and soul of the mid 90s Knicks. He encapsulated everything New Yorkers loved about that team and will forever be remembered as a Knicks legend. His style of play Knick fans remember him for may not translate well to NBA2K, but when he left the Knicks he actually did develop into a better offensive player with the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat.