Many great players have donned the orange and blue, but who are the 15 greatest NBA Draft picks in New York Knicks history?
For a franchise that has failed to sustain success over the past 20 years, the New York Knicks have done an excellent job of drafting quality talent. New York doesn’t always retain the rights to its NBA Draft picks, but the franchise has done well when it’s invested in its players.
With constantly raging debates about whether or not the Knicks should trade their picks for established players, it’s only fair to remind fans of what could be.
The Knicks have long been heralded for their ability to maximize the value of their draft position. They’ve rarely been in possession of top-five, let alone top-10, selections in the NBA Draft, but they’ve managed to find quality players nonetheless.
As one of the king franchises of finding steals, it’s only right to evaluate whom the greatest selections are in franchise history.
In some instances, New York found and selected players who would go on to become key rotational cogs from unexpected draft positions. In others, the Knicks landed genuine Hall of Fame talent that left an everlasting impression on the franchise.
The question is: Who are the 15 greatest NBA Draft selections in the illustrious history of the New York Knicks?
If all you know about Phil Jackson is that he held the position of team president with the New York Knicks, it’d be worth educating yourself more. Before Jackson was a legendary head coach and a divisive executive, he was a critical contributor to the champion Knicks.
New York’s championship seasons 1970 and 1973 are believed to be because of its stars, but the role players who helped create the gritty reputation played a critical role.
Jackson played 10 seasons for the Knicks, which is testament enough to his unrivaled toughness. He underwent spinal fusion surgery in 1969 and subsequently missed the entire 1969-70 season, during which the Knicks won their first championship.
Jackson returned in 1970-71, and was immediately taking charges for his team—a truth that’s almost impossible to believe considering what his back had already been through.
Jackson was Red Holzman‘s understudy and became a critical contributor in 1972-73. He contributed across the board, including an average of 8.7 points in just 19.9 minutes per game during the run to the 1973 NBA championship.
Jackson’s playing time and production would increase from thereon out, but finding a key rotational cog for a championship team in the second round is a steal.
David Lee’s inclusion on this list is as much about the value received from the pick at which he was selected as it is his contributions on the court. Lee came off the board with the final selection in the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft, which led many to the belief that he was a fringe player.
While the New York Knicks never managed to make the playoffs with Lee on the roster, he was a fan favorite and an All-Star during his tenure.
Lee was utilized sporadically as a rookie, but he quickly developed into a double-double machine. He averaged 10.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game in his second NBA season, and upped the ante to 16.0 points and 11.7 rebounds per contest in year four.
It was in his fifth and final season in New York, however, that Lee made his first career All-Star Game appearance with a truly memorable showing.
Lee averaged 20.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.0 steal per game during the 2009-10 campaign. In turn, he became the sixth player in franchise history to average at least 20.0 points and 10.0 rebounds during a single season.
More important than any numbers or accolades, however, was the manner in which Lee endeared himself to Knicks fans with his relentless work ethic.
It’s still early in his career, but Kristaps Porzingis is already one of the greatest selections in franchise history. Taken at No. 4 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, Porzingis was booed at the event and criticized by pundits everywhere.
It hasn’t taken much time at all for the Latvian phenom to prove that he was well worth the investment made by Phil Jackson and Clarence Gaines Jr. at No. 4 overall.
Porzingis made a mark as early as 2015-16, when he became the first rookie in NBA history to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 three-point field goals made. Beyond the numbers, he brought life back to Madison Square Garden.
In year two, Porzingis averaged 18.1 points per game and became the first player in franchise history to record at least 100 blocks and 100 three-point field goals in a single season.
An injury ended Porzingis’ 2017-18 season early, but not before he was selected to the All-Star Game. He was leading the NBA in blocks per game at the time he went down, and was doing so while averaging 2.4 blocks per game.
For perspective, only two players in Knicks history have averaged at least 20.0 points and 2.0 blocks per game in a single season: Porzingis and Patrick Ewing.
Ken Sears was one of the earliest draft picks made by the New York Knicks. Selected at No. 4 overall in the 1955 NBA Draft, Sears made an almost seamless transition from Santa Clara University to the Association.
A versatile forward who played both the 3 and the 4 in a loosely defined era, Sears went on to become one of the greatest scorers in franchise history.
Sears was a two-time All-Star who twice led the NBA in field goal percentage. He twice averaged a double-double, as well, and his defining season came in 1958-59, when he orchestrated one of the most important seasons in franchise history.
Sears averaged 21.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on a league-leading 49.0 percent shooting from the field—and that’s only half the story.
It was in 1958-59 that Sears led the Knicks to their first postseason appearance since the end of the Joe Lapchick era. Snapping a three-year drought was only a temporary fix, but it held Knicks fans over until the all-time teams of the late 60s and early 70s arrived.
As one of the most productive scorers of his time, Sears easily justified the use of the No. 4 overall selection in the 1955 NBA Draft.
One could argue that Cazzie Russell didn’t play as well as he was expected to as a former No. 1 overall selection in the NBA Draft. 1966’s top pick helped the New York Knicks achieve the ultimate glory, however, before going on to produce bigger numbers elsewhere.
Selected one spot before Hall of Fame guard Dave Bing, Russell overcame the criticism to help the Knicks win the first championship in franchise history.
Russell, a college basketball legend, scored 4,584 during his five seasons with the Knicks. He averaged 18.3 points per game in 1968-69, which was good for second on the team behind only future league MVP Willis Reed.
It was in 1969-70, however, that Russell helped the Knicks win the first championship in organization history—albeit with a lightened role.
One could argue whether or not this truly was one of the top 15 selections in franchise history, as the Knicks’ best team success was experienced when Russell received less playing time. He was a building block, however, for a franchise that ultimately realized its vision.
Russell made the transition from college basketball legend to NBA champion, which is all that one needs to know at the end of the day.
Big men who played for the San Francisco Dons faced an unfortunate comparison: Bill Russell. Bill Cartwright may not have reached the Russell level of play, but he proved to be one of the best draft picks in New York Knicks history nonetheless.
Highlighted by a decorated rookie season, Cartwright rewarded the Knicks’ investment by thriving individually and leading the franchise back to the playoffs.
Cartwright made the All-Star Game during what was an unforgettable rookie season. He averaged 21.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, shooting 54.7 percent from the field and 79.7 percent from the free throw line.
Cartwright followed that rookie season by averaging 20.1 points per game in 1980-81—thus confirming the belief that he was an up-and-coming standout.
Cartwright played eight healthy seasons for the Knicks, with a foot injury ultimately costing him his ascension. Nevertheless, he was one of the most productive players in franchise history and helped produce the only 50-win season between 1974 and 1988.
To date, Cartwright is second in franchise history in blocks and one of the 25 greatest players to ever don the orange and blue.
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.
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.
One of the most popular players in franchise history, Mark Jackson made an immediate impact for the New York Knicks. He was arguably the best facilitator in franchise history, as well as a leader in the locker room and a tough-minded individual who helped birth the culture.
While younger fans may know him as a head coach, and Knicks fans might remember Jackson playing for the enemy, he’s one of the best draft picks ever.
Jackson was selected at No. 18 overall in the 1987 NBA Draft and immediately earned all-time steal status. He won the 1988 Rookie of the Year award with averages of 13.6 points, 10.6 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game.
Perhaps most importantly, the Knicks increased their win count by 10 between 1986-87 and 1987-88, ending a three-year postseason drought.
Jackson went on to make the All-Star Game in 1988-89, when the Knicks won 52 games—their most wins since 1972-73. He would play seven total seasons for New York, amassing 4,005 career assists along the way—second in franchise history.
Jackson may not be the head coach of the Knicks, but he’ll be remembered as one of the greatest point guards and draft picks in franchise history.
Bill Bradley was selected with a territorial pick in the 1965 NBA Draft. It took two years before Bradley finally made his debut for the New York Knicks, but it proved to be worth the wait, as he became a featured played on two championship teams.
Every member of the 1970 and 1973 Knicks deserves praise and admiration, and Bradley is an example of just how balanced those teams were.
Bradley played 10 seasons for the Knicks, making an All-Star Game appearance in 1972-73. He played heavy minutes and a vital role on the 1970 and 1973 teams that won the only two championships in franchise history.
Dollar Bill posted 17 points and five assists in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, thus helping the Knicks raise their first championship banner.
Furthermore, Bradley was the Knicks’ leading scorer with an average of 18.6 points per game during the 1973 NBA Finals. That ability to step up when the lights were shining brightest defined his career and ultimately resulted in his induction into the Hall of Fame.
The Knicks had to wait quite some time before Bradley arrived in New York, but his performances in the NBA Finals were justification enough for the delay.
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.
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.
One could quite easily argue that Patrick Ewing is the greatest selection in New York Knicks history. Perhaps the most controversial lottery win of all-time produced the opportunity for the Knicks to secure a landscape-altering player.
Ewing went on to set almost every record imaginable for the Knicks, as well as lead the franchise to one of its greatest runs of success in its illustrious history.
Ewing ranks No. 1 in franchise history in an everlasting list of areas. That includes games (1,039), minutes (37,586), field goals (9,260), free throws (5,126), total rebounds (10,759), steals (1,061), blocks (2,758), and points (23,665)—reason enough to believe he’s the franchise GOAT.
I won’t put up much of an argument against that belief, as Ewing could be regarded as the best individual talent in the history of the orange and blue.
Beyond the individual feats, Ewing led the Knicks to an unrivaled string of 13 consecutive postseason appearances. That includes trips to the 1994 and 1999 NBA Finals, and four runs to the Eastern Conference Finals.
If ever a player could be described as a snub for the No. 1 spot, one could certainly list Ewing as such—even if there is a justification coming.
Before Patrick Ewing broke virtually every record imaginable, it was Walt Frazier who held that distinction. Frazier is known now as the Knicks’ commentator on MSG Network, but on the court, he was one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.
An elite two-way player who has a list of legendary performances to choose from, the Knicks’ decision to select Frazier in 1967 was vital.
Frazier was a six-time All-NBA honoree, including four First Team nods. He was also a seven-time All-Star and a seven-time All-Defensive First Team honoree, thus rounding out one of the most impressive resumes of any point guard in Association history.
Frazier is also a two-time NBA champion, which ultimately justifies his status as one of the greatest draft picks in New York Knicks history.
Frazier’s crowning moment arrived in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals. With Willis Reed hobbled by an injury that made him more of an inspirational story than his MVP self, Frazier turned in a classic with 36 points and 19 assists against Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jerry West.
Frazier would go on to sacrifice his statistics for the betterment of the team, thus creating an improbably successful backcourt with Earl Monroe en route to a second title.
The second of two in franchise history.
The New York Knicks selected Willis Reed in the second round of the 1964 NBA Draft. Some might argue that Patrick Ewing became the better player, but Reed was the defining force of the greatest stretch in franchise history.
Thus, when discussing the greatest selections in Knicks history, it’s impossible for one to overlook that truth and the championship banners that followed.
To date, Reed is the only player in franchise history to win the regular season or Finals MVP awards—and he won both. He’s one of 10 players in NBA history to win multiple Finals MVP honors—and he was the first to achieve that feat.
Reed was also a five-time All-NBA honoree, a seven-time All-Star, and a former All-Defensive First Team honoree, as well as the 1965 Rookie of the Year award.
Ewing may or may not be the best player in franchise history, but without the selections of Frazier and Reed, the Knicks would have no championships. That’s a critical truth when evaluating selections within the context of the impact on the team.
No matter what the statistics say, Reed is the greatest draft choice in Knicks history—and the only two championships and Finals MVP awards prove as much.
Must Read: The 25 greatest players in Knicks history
The New York Knicks have made a number of great selections, but few were as important as those of Walt Frazier and Willis Reed.