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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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Dick McGuire, New York Knicks
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 6: Banner in honor of Dick McGuire #15, Retired Hall of Fame New York Knicks player photographed before the game against the Miami Heat on April 6, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The New York Knicks selected Dick McGuire at No. 7 overall in the 1949 NBA Draft. It was one of the first major moves by the organization, as the Bronx native thrived as the Knicks’ point guard for the better part of a decade.

A Hall of Fame inductee for both his regular season and collegiate-level success, McGuire undoubtedly deserves inclusion on this list.

McGuire received five of his seven career All-Star Game selections during his illustrious tenure with the Knicks. He was named All-NBA in 1952 and led the Association in assists during his rookie season—a feat that fellow St. John’s star Mark Jackson also achieved.

McGuire was also the lead facilitator for the Knicks teams that made three consecutive NBA Finals appearances during the early 1950s.

To date, McGuire ranks No. 3 on the Knicks’ all-time assists list—an impressive truth considering it’s been more than 60 years since his tenure ended. He was one of the gold standards for facilitators during his time, as well as a proven postseason performer.

Beyond what he did on the court, McGuire was one of the most popular players in franchise history for his impact both on the court and in the community.