New York Knicks: List of the franchise’s retired jersey numbers
The New York Knicks have a short list of players whose jersey numbers hang it in the rafters at Madison Square Garden.
The New York Knicks have not won a championship in four decades, but their lineage of franchise-changing players consumed that time and the era in between. These players made the Knicks the landmark franchise they are now.
The top players were immortalized in franchise history with a jersey number retirement. It is the ultimate team honor, as these numbers hang in the rafters of Madison Square Garden.
Who does this include from New York’s long line of teams? Let’s take a look:
- Walt Frazier, No. 10: Frazier was dynamic towards both of the Knicks championships. He remains a prominent figure as part of the MSG Networks broadcast team.
- Earl Monroe and Dick McGuire, No. 15: Monroe and McGuire’s Knicks careers did not cross, but long after both players suited up, the organization retired their shared number.
- Willis Reed, No. 19: No one will forget Reed, hobbling into the NBA Finals to contribute towards New York’s eventual title. His No. 19 is a permanent fixture at the Garden.
- Dave DeBusschere, No. 22: DeBusschere played the latter half of his career with the Knicks, but also partook in the championship run.
- Bill Bradley, No. 24: Bradley was another main part of New York’s title teams, playing his entire career in Manhattan.
- Patrick Ewing, No. 33: The latest Knick to be honored, Ewing was the face of New York basketball from the late ’80s to the end of the ’90s. The closest to reach his status has been Carmelo Anthony.
- Red Holzman, No. 613: No NBA player has worn a number in the triple digits, but Holzman’s 613 represent his win total as the head coach.
Who will follow these players to the rafters? That may take time to develop, but as it stands, the past talent is represented well atop basketball’s most prestigious arena.