Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: How rugged forwards define their success

By Ken Tavarez

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)
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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MIAMI, UNITED STATES: Dan Majerle of the Miami Heat (R) reaches for a lose ball over Larry Johnson of the New York Knicks (L) in the second half of their first game in their second round Eastern Division playoff game in the American Airlines Arena in Miami 07 May 00. The Miami Heat won 87-83. ELECTRONIC IMAGE AFP PHOTO ROBERTO SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images) /

Rugged Knicks: L.J. – Larry Johnson

When it was time for the Knicks to revamp their roster after the 1995-96 season, they traded one great ‘Rugged Knick’, Anthony Mason, for the last great one, Larry Johnson (L.J.).

Both players had similar builds, as they were listed at 6’7″ and 250 lbs. While L.J. was not the stout defender Mason was, he was still considered a tough guy. Teams thought twice about going inside on the Knicks. Johnson also was an exceptional rebounder. I recall many games when the Knicks would leak out an extra player to create a fast break opportunity because they knew that L.J. and the other Big would control the defensive glass.

Johnson was a key player on the last Knicks’ team to make it to the Finals. Aside from being a dominant post player, he was a good outside shooter. He was one of the original stretch 4s. He allowed the Knicks to play Houston or Sprewell at the 3 with Camby at the 5. The Knicks’ small ball lineup was lethal, and it was ahead of its time.

Of course, Johnson will always be remember for this 4-point play against the Pacers in Game 3 of the 1999 Eastern Conference Finals. That shot changed the trajectory of the series and helped propel the Knicks into the Finals. The Knicks made the playoffs in all five of L.J.’s seasons in New York. The demise of the Knicks started after Johnson was forced to retire because of chronic back issues.