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New York Knicks: 15 greatest draft picks in franchise history

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 25: Kristaps Porzingis meets with Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected fourth overall by the New York Knicks in the First Round of the 2015 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 25, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 25: Kristaps Porzingis meets with Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected fourth overall by the New York Knicks in the First Round of the 2015 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 25, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Harry Gallatin, New York Knicks
NEW YORK – 1950: Harry Gallatin #11 of the New York Knicks poses for a mock action portrait in 1950 in New York, New York. Copyright 1950 NBAE (Photo by NBA Photos/NBAE via Getty Images) /

27. . Forward/Center. 1948 BAA Draft. Harry Gallatin. 5. player

The late, great Harry Gallatin was one of the most important draft picks in New York Knicks history. New York ultimately failed to sign Dolph Schayes in 1948, who was drafted in both the BAA and NBL, but Gallatin was one heck of a consolation prize.

Gallatin went on to lead the Knicks to their first taste of glory, thus setting the tone for a fan base that hasn’t lost the thrill of the chase since.

Gallatin was a two-time All-NBA honoree and a seven-time All-Star during his illustrious Knicks career. He led the NBA in rebounding in 1953-54 with an average of 15.3 per game and a total of 1,098—and nearly eclipsed 1,000 once again in 1954-55.

More importantly: Gallatin was one of the featured players on the Knicks teams that reached the 1951, 1952, and 1953 NBA Finals.

That stretch of three consecutive NBA Finals appearances remains one of the greatest feats in franchise history. There were other Knicks legends on the roster, but Gallatin was the draft pick who became a cornerstone.

If there’s an example of how valuable the draft can be, then Gallatin would be the individual who proves standouts can be found anywhere on the board.