Bench
G: Derek Harper (83)
Derek Harper is one of the more under-appreciated New York Knicks from the mid-90s that was just as critical for their success. Harper was a borderline All-Star earlier in his career on the Dallas Mavericks, but when he was traded to the Knicks, he was on the tail end of his career.
It didn’t matter for the Knicks, though, because his numbers paled in comparison to the superb way he controlled the ball at point and brought fierce defense to the Knicks’ backcourt. Tasked with defending Jordan during the Knicks legendary rivalry with the Bulls, it was probably his takedown of Jo Jo English that Knicks fans will remember most fondly.
G: Stephon Marbury (91)
Before Carmelo Anthony, Stephon Marbury was one of the most polarizing All-Stars whom Knick fans have struggled watching. Though superbly gifted—and perhaps the most gifted Knicks scorer I’d seen at that point—the Marbury era was a dark time for the Knicks due to off-court drama and a poorly constructed rosters by Isiah Thomas.
That doesn’t matter for the purposes of this team, though, because Marbury is the kind of player who’s tailor made for a video game since it’s just his skill you are dealing with and not anything else.
F: Larry Johnson (88)
Though LJ was a staple of the late 90’s Knicks, very few fans would consider him better than any of the forwards listed on 2K’s team. When he was traded to the Knicks, his back injuries dramatically altered his game from being a ferocious dunker into a midrange threat.
Knicks fans still loved watching his soft touch in the post, and above-average shooting from beyond the arc. His four-point shot in the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers will forever preserve him in Knicks lore, but beyond that, he was locker room leader who always gave it his all during a 10-year career that was cut short by injuries.
F: Al Harrington (85)
Al Harrington’s Knick career didn’t last too long, and occurred at a time when the franchise’s only hope was waiting for LeBron James to make his decision. Very few fans cared much about the meaningless games the Knicks played out waiting for James’ impending free agency, but while he was a Knick, Harrington put up some impressive games.
Harrington actually averaged 18.9 points per game as a Knick, and regularly was the team’s best performer during his two years in New York. Considering most of this came off the bench, it’s still impressive despite there not being any other real scoring options on the team.
He’s the kind of guy that just seems to love balling, as he’s still out there today dominating Ice Cube’s BIG3 league.
F/C: Marcus Camby (87)
Marcus Camby had the precarious position of replacing beloved fan favorite Charles Oakley. Though he clashed with Jeff Van Gundy early on in his Knicks career, he developed into an athletic force that propelled the Knicks past the days of stagnant offense.
Very few fans were pleased when Camby was traded for Antonio McDyess, and looking back now, it’s still a tough pill to swallow considering how solid of a career Camby had after being traded.
Must Read: Greatest players in New York Knicks history
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