New York Knicks: 15 greatest draft picks in franchise history

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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Richie Guerin is one of the most under-appreciated players in New York Knicks history. While he only made one postseason appearance as a member of the Knicks, Guerin is one of the greatest scorers in franchise history.

Selected in the second round of the 1954 NBA Draft, Guerin was an early example of the Knicks’ uncanny ability to find high-level players in unexpected places.

The former Iona Gaels star went on to score 10,392 points during his eight seasons with the Knicks. That includes the 1961-62 campaign, during which Guerin averaged 29.5 points, 6.9 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game.

For perspective: Only Bernard King (32.9) has eclipsed Guerin’s average of 29.5 points per game while donning the orange and blue.

Guerin received three All-NBA and six All-Star Game selections during his career with the Knicks. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame and ranks No. 6 on New York’s all-time scoring list, trailing only Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Allan Houston, and Carl Braun.

Guerin received a legendary standing ovation when he returned to Madison Square Garden as a member of the St. Louis Hawks, thus signifying his importance to the franchise.