With the hype of the offseason coming to an end, I have decided that this would be the perfect opportunity to examine each team’s specific All-NBA First Team. What I mean by this is- following the criteria set by the NBA for the All-NBA Team rules, I will examine and elaborate on my picks for each team’s specific All-NBA First Team.

G- Walt Frazier: 1967–1977

Walt Frazier and Willis Reed were arguably the two biggest athletes in New York during the 1970’s. With the help of Reed, Frazier helped lead the Knicks to their only two championships. But Frazier’s success was not limited to just the team, but rather he also thrived individually. During his time in New York, Walt Frazier was among the best players in the entire NBA.

In his 10 seasons in New York, Frazier was a seven-time All-Star and a member six All-NBA Teams (4x First Team, 3x Second Team). During those 10 seasons, Frazier led the team in games played, points scored, and assists. At the time of his retirement, Frazier was the Knicks’ all-time leader in almost every major statistical category.

His best performance came during game seven of the 1970 NBA finals, a finals in which he performed like an MVP. In that game, Frazier put on a show. His final stat line was 36 points, 19 assists, seven rebounds, and a then NBA record five steals.

G- Earl Monroe: 1971–1980

A year after winning the NBA finals, the Knicks added another hall of fame guard in Earl “The Pearl” Monroe.

In his nine seasons in New York, Monroe made two All-Star games, and although he was never the best player, was a perfect compliment to the aging Willis Reed and Walt Frazier.

Monroe averaged 16.2 points per game with the Knicks, which isn’t tremendous, but what he did do was play a much more efficient game than he did in Baltimore. Monroe shot a higher percentage and posted a higher PER with the Knicks.

Monroe was also a part of the team’s second championship in 1973.

F- Bernard King: 1982–1987

For a span of about three years, Bernard King was one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA.

From 1982–1985 King was one of the NBA’s best scorers, leading the NBA in 1985 at 32.9 points per game. Night in and night out, King provided Knicks’ fans with enjoyable basketball. His 32.9 points per game during that season is the highest single season scoring average in franchise history.

Although his time in New York was short due to a gruesome knee injury, his tenure should not be overlooked. He was the best player on two playoff teams and was one of the best overall players in the league.

He appeared in three All-Star games and on three All-NBA Teams (2x First Team, 1x Second Team).

F- Willis Reed: 1964–1974

The image of Willis Reed running out of the tunnel in game seven of the 1970 finals is something that NBA fans will never forget, but that moment isn’t the only thing Reed should be remembered for. In his ten seasons in New York, Reed was not only one of the best bigs in the game, but also one of the best overall players.

Reed was a seven-time All-Star, a member of five All-NBA Teams (1x First Team, 4x Second Team), and won the MVP award in 1970. His career averages of 18.7 points and 12.9 rebounds per game both rank in the top ten in Knicks’ history.

Although the aforementioned image of Reed running through the tunnel is often what he is most remembered for, few actually remember that Reed performed better in the 1973 NBA finals than he did in the 1970 NBA finals. In fact, Reed took home the Finals MVP award in 1973.

C- Patrick Ewing: 1985–2000

For 15 years Patrick Ewing was the face of the New York Knicks’ franchise. From 1985 until his departure in 2000, nobody could think of the Knicks without thinking of Patrick Ewing. From leading them to the finals in 1994 to leading the players’ association during the 1998–1999 lockout, Ewing was and always will be a Knicks’ icon.

Ewing is the Knicks all-time leader in almost every major statistical category, including games played, points scored, made free throws, total rebounds, blocked shots, and steals. He appeared in 11 All-Star games and on seven All-NBA Teams (1x First Team, 6x Second Team) during his tenure in New York. The Knicks were a perennial playoff contender, making the playoffs in 13 of Ewing’s 15 seasons.

He averaged a double-double in 11 of his 15 seasons.

His best season came in 1994, the same year in which he led the team to the NBA finals. In that season, Ewing played his most efficient basketball, averaging 23.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.

Despite failing to bring a championship to New York, Ewing is arguably the most iconic Knicks’ player of all-time.