New York Knicks: List of players in the Hall of Fame
Which players to suit up for the New York Knicks have made the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame since the franchise’s inauguration in the ’40s?
The Pro Basketball Hall of Fame honors the greatest players in NBA history. Each year, some of the game’s best receive an induction into this immortalized status, including plenty of short and long-term New York Knicks over the decades.
From the Hall of Fame’s creation in 1959, the Knicks have rostered 22 of these players, most of which were on their team in the ’40s, ’60s and ’80s. The drop-off since corresponds with the lack of success over the years, but they still represent New York basketball well in Springfield, MA.
As recently as 2018, the Knicks had two former players enter the Hall of Fame. Both of them had short-term runs with the organization, but are still linked to forever.
Who does this list of Hall of Famers include? Let’s take a look.
Note: this does not include coaches, players who became coaches or executives:
- Carl Braun (1947-61)
- Harry Gallatin (1948-57)
- Dick McGuire (1949-57)
- Richie Guerin (1956-64)
- Slater Martin (1956-57)
- Tom Gola (1962-66)
- Willis Reed (1964-74): A franchise icon, Reed played his entire career with the Knicks.
- Walt Bellamy (1965-68)
- Bill Bradley (1967-77)
- Walt Frazier (1967-77): Frazier was the face of the Knicks for 10 years, winning two titles.
- Dave DeBusschere (1968-74)
- Jerry Lucas (1971-74)
- Earl Monroe (1971-80)
- Spencer Haywood (1975-79)
- Bob McAdoo (1976-79)
- Paul Westphal (1981-83)
- Bernard King (1982-87): King was a dynamic scorer for the Knicks, before falling to injuries.
- Patrick Ewing (1985-00): As the No. 1 overall pick of the first lottery, Ewing lived up to the hype and starred for 15 years.
- Maurice Cheeks (1990-91)
- Dikembe Mutombo (2003-04): Mutombo wagged his finger 123 times in his one season with the Knicks.
- Tracy McGrady (2010): A recognizable figure of the 2000s, McGrady’s stint in New York was short.
- Jason Kidd (2012-13): Kidd’s final NBA season was with the Knicks, which also marked their last playoff appearance.
Next. 25 greatest players in NYK history. dark
Who will become the next ex-Knick to make the Hall of Fame? That will likely belong to Carmelo Anthony, after he retires from the NBA. Aside from him, it might be a wait to find the next player to become immortalized.