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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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Michael Ray Richardson, New York Knicks
WASHINGTON – 1980: Micheal Ray Richardson #20 of the New Knicks drives against the Washington Bullets during the NBA game circa 1980 in Washington, D.C. Copyright 1980 NBAE (Photo by NBA Photo Library/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Micheal Ray Richardson is a shining example of what could have been, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be on this list. One of the most dynamic talents in NBA history, Richardson flashed superstar potential during his brief career with the New York Knicks.

Selected at No. 4 overall in the 1978 NBA Draft, Richardson went on to become one of the most productive players in the Association.

Richardson had a quiet rookie season, but broke out with an All-Star campaign in year two. He averaged 15.3 points, 10.1 assists, and 3.2 steals per game that season, also pulling down an average of 6.6 rebounds during his rise to prominence.

To date, Richardson is one of just two players in NBA history to average at least 10.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game, with John Stockton being the other.

Richardson also made the All-Star Game in 1980-81 and 1981-82, continuing to produce in an impressively well-rounded manner. He was twice named to the All-Defensive First Team, and led the NBA in both assists and steals in 1979-80.

Throw in his 18 triple-doubles and Richardson proved to be a one of the greatest talents in franchise history—and thus, a necessary inclusion on this list.