New York Knicks: How rugged forwards define their success

By Ken Tavarez | Oct 16, 2020

NEW YORK - CIRCA 1970: Dave DeBusschere #22 of the New York Knicks looks on while there's a break in the action during an NBA basketball game circa 1970 at Madison Square Garden in the Manhattan borough of New York City. DeBusschere played for the Knicks from 1968-74. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 08: Dave DeBusschere, power forward of the New York Knicks points to Boston Celtics’ point guard, Jo Jo White as he defends against White during an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden on November 8, 1973. The Celtics defeated the Knicks 94-84. (Photo By Ross Lewis/Getty Images) /

Rugged Knicks: The O.G. – Dave DeBusschere

When Knick fans think of the rugged tough enforcer types that have worn the blue and orange, they usually think of the players on the 1990s Knicks teams. But the first ‘Rugged Knick’ was Dave DeBusschere. I remember Mike Breen in the When the Garden was Eden film saying, “when I was a kid the two strongest man he knew were his father and Dave DeBusschere”.

The Knicks of the late 1960s were an up-and-coming young team that developed into a contender once they traded for DeBusschere during the 1968-69 season. The team ended up winning 54 games, the first 50+ win season in franchise history and their best in terms of winning percentage in 10 years.

The Knicks went on to win their only two championships during DeBusschere’s six seasons with the franchise. He had his number 22 raised to the rafters as recognition for his contribution.

DeBusschere will also be remembered as the GM with the lucky horseshoe that won the first ever NBA lottery in 1985, allowing the Knicks to select Patrick Ewing.