For basketball fans, Madison Square Garden holds a special place in their hearts. As the home court of the New York Knicks, it has witnessed some of the greatest moments in NBA history. From championship victories to iconic performances, the Garden has been graced by some of the best players to ever step on a basketball court. From legends like Walt Frazier and Patrick Ewing to modern-day stars like Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, these players have left an indelible mark on the Garden and will forever be remembered as part of Knicks history.
Honorable mentions
Allan Houston, a two-time All-Star who played for the Knicks from 1996 to 2005. Houston was a deadly shooter and helped lead the Knicks to the NBA Finals in 1999. Finally, we have Dave DeBusschere, a six-time All-Star who played for the Knicks from 1968 to 1974. DeBusschere was a key player on the Knicks’ championship teams of the early 70s and was known for his tenacious defense.
10 Earl Monroe – A legendary Knick from the 70s
Coming in at #10 on our list is Earl “The Pearl” Monroe. Monroe was a legendary scorer who played for the Knicks from 1971 to 1980. He was a four-time All-Star and helped lead the Knicks to the NBA Finals in 1973. Monroe was known for his flashy style of play and his ability to score from anywhere on the court. He was a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden and is still remembered as one of the greatest Knicks of all time.
9 Harry Gallatin – A dominant force in the 50s
Harry Gallatin is widely regarded as one of the best New York Knicks players of all time. He played for the Knicks for nine seasons, from 1948 to 1957, and during his time with the team, he made a significant impact. Gallatin was a dominant rebounder, leading the league in rebounding twice during his career. He was also a reliable scorer and an excellent defender, making him a well-rounded player. Gallatin was named to seven All-Star teams and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991. He remains one of the most beloved Knicks of all time and a true legend in the franchise’s history.
8 Amar’e Stoudemire – A versatile forward who led the team in the 2000s
Coming in at #8 on our list is Amar’e Stoudemire, a versatile forward who played for the Knicks from 2010 to 2015. Stoudemire was a six-time All-Star and helped lead the Knicks to the playoffs in 2011. He was known for his scoring ability and his athleticism, and he played a key role in revitalizing the Knicks franchise in the early 2010s.
7Â Walt Frazier – An all-time great point guard
At #7 on our list is Walt “Clyde” Frazier, one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Frazier played for the Knicks from 1967 to 1977 and was a seven-time All-Star. He led the Knicks to two championships in 1970 and 1973 and was known for his incredible playmaking ability and his iconic sense of style. Frazier’s number 10 jersey hangs from the rafters at Madison Square Garden, and he is still beloved by Knicks fans today.
6 Charles Oakley – A fierce competitor who played in the 80s and 90s
Coming in at #6 on our list is Charles Oakley, a fierce competitor who played for the Knicks from 1988 to 1998. Oakley was known for his tough, physical style of play and his ability to rebound and defend. He was a key player on the Knicks’ successful teams of the 90s and was a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden. Oakley’s toughness and grit embodied the spirit of the Knicks and helped make him one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
5 Bernard King – A high-scoring shooting guard from the 70s and 80s
At #5 on our list is Bernard King, a high-scoring shooting guard who played for the Knicks from 1982 to 1987. King was a four-time All-Star and led the NBA in scoring in the 1984-85 season. He was known for his incredible scoring ability and his ability to get to the free-throw line. King’s time with the Knicks was relatively short, but his impact on the team and the city was immense.
4Â Willis Reed –
Reed was known for his toughness and leadership, as well as his versatility as a player. He was a dominant force on both ends of the court, with the ability to score, rebound, and defend at a high level. Reed was also a seven-time All-Star and two-time NBA Finals MVP. His performance in the 1970 NBA Finals, where he famously played through injury to lead the Knicks to victory, is one of the most iconic moments in NBA history.
3Â John Starks – One of the most beloved Knicks of all time
At #3 on our list is John Starks, one of the most beloved players in Knicks history. Starks played for the Knicks from 1990 to 1998 and was a key player on the team’s successful teams of the 90s. He was known for his incredible shooting ability and his fearless attitude on the court. Starks’ clutch performances in big games made him a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden, and his number 3 jersey hangs from the rafters as a testament to his impact on the team.
2Â Carmelo Anthony – A dominant scorer who led the team in the 2010s
Coming in at #2 on our list is Carmelo Anthony, one of the greatest scorers in Knicks history. Anthony played for the Knicks from 2011 to 2017 and was a seven-time All-Star. He led the NBA in scoring in the 2012-13 season and was known for his incredible scoring ability and his clutch performances in big games. While Anthony’s time with the Knicks was ultimately unsuccessful in terms of team success, his individual brilliance and scoring prowess make him one of the greatest Knicks of all time.
1 Patrick Ewing – The greatest Knick of all time
The greatest Knick of all time, Mr. Patrick Ewing. Ewing is the Knicks’ all-time leader in points, rebounds, and blocks, and he led the team to the NBA Finals in 1994. He was a dominant force on both ends of the court and was a key player on some of the most successful teams in Knicks history. Ewing’s impact on the team and the city of New York is immeasurable, and he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever grace the Madison Square Garden court.
