Knicks History

[Mr. J]

<font size="4">The History Of The New York Knickerbockers</font>

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Team Founded: June 6, 1946
Head Coach: Neil Cohalan
First Regular Season Record: 33-27 (.550)
Knicks Team Colors: Orange and Blue

Current Knicks:
Current Head Coach: Lenny Wilkens
Current Team Colors: Orange and Blue

Arena: Madison Square Garden
Current General Manager: Isiah Thomas

NBA Championships: 2
1969-1970 Defeated Los Angeles Lakers 4-3 MVP: Willis Reed
1972-1973 Defeated Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 MVP: Willis Reed

NBA Finals Apperances: 8
1950-1951 Lost to Rochester Royals, 4-3
1951-1952 Lost to Minneapolis Lakers, 4-3
1952-1953 Lost to Minneapolis Lakers, 4-1
1969-1970 Defeated Los Angeles Lakers, 4-3
1971-1972 Lost to Los Angeles Lakers, 4-1
1972-1973 Defeated Los Angeles Lakers, 4-1
1993-1994 Lost to Houston Rockets, 4-3
1998-1999 Lost to San Antonio Spurs 4-1

Eastern Conference Finals Apperances: 14
1999-2000 Lost to Indiana Pacers 4-2
1998-1999 Defeated Inidana Pacers 4-2
1993-1994 Defeated Indiana Pacers 4-3
1992-1993 Lost to Chicago Bulls 4-2
1973-1974 Lost to Boston Celtics 4-1
1972-1973 Defeated Boston Celtics 4-3
1971-1972 Defeated Boston Celtics 4-1
1970-1971 Lost to Baltimore Bullets 4-3
1969-1970 Defeated Milwaukee Bucks 4-1
1968-1969 Lost to Boston Celtics 4-2
1952-1953 Defeated Boston Cletics 3-1
1951-1952 Defeated Syracuse Nationals 3-1
1950-1951 Defeated Syracuse Nationals 3-2
1948-1949 Lost to Washington Capitols 2-1



Retired Numbers:
#10 Walt "Clyde" Frazier-Played: 1967-1977
Number retired on Oct. 15, 1979

#12 Dick Barnett-Played: 1965-1974
Number retired on March 10, 1990

#15 Earl "The Pearl" Monroe-Played: 1971-1980
Number retired on March 1, 1986

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#15 Dick McGuire-Played: 1949-1957
Number retired on March 14, 1992

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#19 Willis Reed- Played: 1964-1974
Number retired on October 21, 1976

#22 Dave DeBusschere-Played: 1968-1974
Number retired on March 24, 1981

#24 Bill Bradley-Played: 1967-1977
Number retired on February 18, 1984

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#33 Patrick Ewing-Played: 1985-2000
Number retired on February 28, 2003

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#613 Red Holzman-Coached: 1967-1977 and 1978-1982
Number retired March 10, 1990

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Hall of Fame Players
Willis Reed
Walt Frazier
Dave DeBusschere
Earl Monroe
Patrick Ewing

Most Valuable Player:
1969-1970 Willis Reed

Rookies of the Year:
Willis Reed 1964-1965
Patrick Ewing 1985-1986
Mark Jackson 1987-1988

Sixth Man Award:
Anthony Mason 1994-1995
John Starks 1996-1997

All NBA Teams:
First Team:
Harry Gallatin, 1953-1954
Willis Reed, 1969-1970
Walt Frazier, 1969-1970, 1971-1972, 1973-1974, 1974-1975
Bernard King, 1983-1984, 1984-1985
Patrick Ewing, 1989-1990

Second Team:
Carl Braun, 1947-1948
Dick McGuire, 1950-1951
Harry Gallatin, 1954-1955,
Richie Guerin, 1958-1959, 1959-1960, 1961-1962,
Willis Reed, 1967-1968, 1968-1969, 1970-1971
Walt Frazier, 1972-1973
Dave DeBusschere 1968-1969
Patrick Ewing 1987-1988, 1988-1989, 1990, 1991, 1991-1992, 1992-1993, 1996-1997

All Rookie Teams:
All Rookie First (the only team availible at the time)
Art Heyman, 1963-1964
Willis Reed, 1964-1965
Jim Barnes, 1964-1965
Howard Komives, 1964-1965
Dick Van Arsdale, 1965-1966
Cazzie Russell, 1966-1967
Walt Frazier, 1967-1968
Phil Jackson, 1967-1968
Bill Cartwright, 1979-1980
Darrell Walker, 1983-1984
Patrick Ewing, 1985-1986
Mark Jackson, 1987-1988
Rod Strickland, 1988-1989

All NBA Defensive Teams:
First Team
Dave DeBusschere, 1968-1969, 1969-1970, 1971-1972, 1970-1971, 1972-1973, 1973-1974
Walt Frazier, 1968-1969, 1970-1971, 1972-1973, 1973-1974, 1974-1975
Michael Ray Richardson, 1979-1980, 1980-1981
Charles Oakley, 1993-1994, 1997-1998

Second Team
Patrick Ewing, 1987-1988, 1988-1989, 1991-1992,
John Starks, 1992-1993

Coach of the Year:
Red Holzman, 1969-1970
Pat Riley, 1992-1993


Citizenship Award:
Mike Glenn, 1980-1981
Rory Sparrow 1985-1986

Knicks All-Time Regular Season Records:
Season W L %
2003-04 39 43 .475
2002-03 37 45 .451
2001-02 30 52 .366
2000-01 48 34 .585
1999-00 50 32 .610
1998-99 27 23 .540
1997-98 43 39 .524
1996-97 57 25 .695
1995-96 47 35 .573
1994-95 55 27 .671
1993-94 57 25 .695
<font color="Green">1992-93 60 22 .732</font>
1991-92 51 31 .622
1990-91 39 43 .476
1989-90 45 37 .549
1988-89 52 30 .634
1987-88 38 44 .463
1986-87 24 58 .293
1985-86 23 59 .280
1984-85 24 58 .293
1983-84 47 35 .573
1982-83 44 38 .537
1981-82 33 49 .402
1980-81 50 32 .610
1979-80 39 43 .476
1978-79 31 51 .378
1977-78 43 39 .524
1976-77 40 42 .488
1975-76 38 44 .463
1974-75 40 42 .488
1973-74 49 33 .598
1972-73 57 25 .695
1971-72 48 34 .585
1970-71 52 30 .634
<font color="Green">1969-70 60 22 .732</font>
1968-69 54 28 .659
1967-68 43 39 .524
1966-67 36 45 .444
1965-66 30 50 .375
1964-65 31 49 .388
1963-64 22 58 .275
<font color="Red">1962-63 21 59 .263</font>
1961-62 29 51 .363
1960-61 21 58 .266
1959-60 27 48 .360
1958-59 40 32 .556
1957-58 35 37 .486
1956-57 36 36 .500
1955-56 35 37 .486
1954-55 38 34 .528
1953-54 44 28 .611
1952-53 47 23 .671
1951-52 37 29 .561
1950-51 36 30 .545
1949-50 40 28 .588
1948-49 32 28 .533
1947-48 26 22 .542
1946-47 33 27 .550

<font color="Green">*-Indicates Best Season</font>
<font color="Red">*-Indicates Worst Season</font>

<font size="3">A Brief Summary of the Eras</font>
<font size="2">1946-1955
New York?s Stellar Beginning</font>
The Knicks started off these seasons superbly. During this nine year span, the Knicks managed to make the playoffs all nine consecutive times which included 3 finals appearances in a row! In the first final appearances against the Rochester Royals, the Knicks almost came back from a 3-0 defecit. The decisive game 7 was very close but, to no avail as the Knicks lost it 79-75 in a down-to-the-wire heartbreaker.

Also during this period of time the Knicks had their share of what we will consider superstars. Harry ?The Horse? Gallatin was an incredible rebounder averaging 15.3rpg, while Dick McGuire led the Knicks in assists for 6 consecutive seasons. Both were All-Stars, and earned themselves All NBA team honors.

<font size="2">1959-1967
First Knick Dark Ages</font>
In the 1959-1960 season, the Knicks averaged an incredible 117.3 points, which is an all-time franchise high. Still with these unbelievable offensive stats they managed to go 27-48. Guerin was in the NBA's top 10 in scoring with 21.8 ppg and assists 6.3 apg.

Opponents, usually scored more then the Knicks team that?s why during this season the Knicks allowed 119.6ppg. More bad seasons for the Knicks continued for an additional nine years however, many players managed to put up good stats and make the All-Star teams but, the Knicks still struggled giving out franchise highs to different teams. They gave Wilt Chamberlain 100 points and Elgin Baylor 71. They also managed to lose by 62 points to Syracuse.

During this time they hit their worst season ever at 21 wins and 59 losses. The only bright spots in this era were the Knicks secretly building an amazing dynasty. Willis Reed and Frazier were two very important cornerstones for the future.

<font size="2">1968-1975
That 70?s Show</font>
The Knicks hired Red Holzman which proved to be one of their best moves that the Franchise has ever made! The Knicks started out a going 15-22 and as soon as Holzman was hired, they went 28-17 and finishing the season at 43-39. This was the first time the Knicks had a record over .500 since 1958-1959! The Knicks also acquired Dave DeBusschere which also proved to be a significant part of the franchise.

Next season the Knicks won 54 games. Although they lost to Boston in a game 6, the Knicks wouldn?t be discouraged. The next season the Knicks won 60 games which tied their franchise high. The Knicks beat both of their playoff matches and made it to the finals for the first time since 1953. The Finals went down to a decesive game 7. The Knicks season and league MVP Willis Reed was injured during game 5 of the series. He was expected to sit out for the rest of the series. However, he came limping on the floor and his courageous heroics gave the Knicks the force to win their very first NBA championships! Our very own Frazier had 36 points, 19 assists, and 7 steals. He definitely toasted and posted out there!

The Knicks reached the finals again in 1972 however, the championship repeat fell short losing to the Lakers 4-1. However, in 1973 they would redeem themselves in winning another championship giving payback to Los Angeles 4-1. The Knicks players continued to tear up the NBA going to the All-Star game, and being selected to All NBA Teams. However, they never reached the finals again.

<font size="2">1975-1983
A Decline</font>
After the Knicks Championship they made a small decline. For a few seasons they failed to make the playoffs posting games a couple of games below .500. It was clear the Knicks were not the stars that use to reign over the 70's anymore. The Knicks tried to make Willis Reed the coach however, it was not paying off so the Knicks re hired Holzman.

New York needed a change and they needed one fast. What they did in the draft was vital for their success in the future. The Knicks drafted Michael Ray Richardson who was an All NBA rookie selection. For the most part it was a losing year however, the Knicks managed to get 50 wins in this era however, their antics didn't pay off as the Knicks quickly lost to the Bulls in the playoffs

<font size="2">1983-1985
The King of the NBA</font>
Bernard King was traded to New York from the Golden State Warriors. This was another trade that made New York successful. The Knicks went 45-37 and King averaged 26ppg which was good enough for 5th place in the NBA in ppg. The Knicks made the playoffs and faced Detroit in the first round. It went 5 games with the Knicks winning it and King averaged an UNBELIEVABLE 42.6ppg!!! The Knicks wound up making it to the conference finals where they took it to a hard fought game 7 against the Boston Celtics. They ended up losing it but, good things were definitely bound to happen.


King averaged an incredible 32ppg becoming the only Knick to lead the league in scoring. He made a Knick record by scoring 60 points against New Jersey. On March 23 1985 his season was stopped by a career ending injury that involved his knee. Since then the nest season the team set a club high losing 12 straight and the Knicks went 24-58. It was obvious the Knicks were going backwards since then.

<font size="2">1985-1991
The Ewing Era</font>
The Knicks win their first Lottery and with the first pick in the NBA draft, the New York Knicks select?..Patrick Ewing from Georgetown University. Patrick Ewing didn?t make an immediate impact as the Knicks went 23-59 and one another game his last two seasons. Most of this was due to injuries. His 3rd season he helped the Knicks to a 38-44 record. Although they got a playoff berth from this season, they lost 3-1 in an expected lost to Boston. The next season was promising with 52 wins and a first round playoff victory against Philadelphia however, they lost the next series to Chicago.

In the 1989-1990 season, to help Ewing in the frontcourt, Charles Oakley was acquired from Chicago. There was great change in this season as the Knicks coach Ric Pittino also left to coach College ball. Oakley was great help for the Knicks and assisted them in coming from a 2-0 defecit and wining against Boston but, they lost in the second round.

<font size="2">1991-1995
The Riley Era</font>
Pat Riley was hired in the 1991-1992 season. He quickly became an impact as the Knicks went 51-31. The Knicks also signed John Starks not too long ago, and acquired Xavier McDaniel. The Knicks went to a game 7 with the Bulls however, they got blown out in a 29 point defeat.

Pat Riley again helped the Knicks but, this time he tied their franchise record with 60 wins. He also earned coach of the year. Pat Riley put a staple on defense as the Knicks held their opponents to just 95.4ppg. The Knicks again made it to the conference finals against the Michael Jordan lead Chicago Bulls team. They took the first two but lost the next four as the Bulls again left a sour taste in the Knicks mouths.

When Michael Jordan retired the Knicks had become the favorites to win the east. They allowed 91.5ppg and won 57 games and lost only 25. The Knicks finally beat the Jordan-less Bulls and then beat the Indiana Pacers giving them their first finals appearance in 21 years! The game went to a decisive game 7 but, the Knicks lost in the finals against Hakeem Olajuwan and the Houston Rockets.

The Next Season the Knicks went 55-27 and were in the playoffs once again. They beat the Cavaliers in a low scoring series but, a tough series against the Pacers that went to game 7. Riley took this loss to heart and stepped down that day.


<font size="2">1995-1996
Jeff Van Gundy </font>
After Riley, Don Nelson was coach for a short period of time however, after 60 games was replaced by Jeff Van Gundy. Jeff Van Gundy lead the Knicks to a sweep against Cleaveland but, the Bulls gave the Knicks a pounding.

<font size="2">1996-1998
New Knicks </font>
The Knicks made a big change in their roster, acquiring Allan Houston, and Larry Johnson from Charlotte. Chris Childs and Buck Williams were all very valuable to the Knicks. The Knicks went 57-25 in this season in 1997. The postseason looked promising for NY as they beat Charlotte in the first round and had a 3-1 lead on the Heat. A huge fight erupted and many key players for NY got suspended and Miami came back to win it.

The next season the Knicks had high expectations but, when Ewing went down again, the Knicks fell to only the 7th seed in the east. They surprisingly beat Miami but, the second round against another rival in Indiana, the Knicks lost 4-1. Their lack of a big body in the middle hurt them in the long run.

<font size="2"> 1998-1999
The Run to Finals</font>
The Knicks made two blockbuster trades giving up Starks and Oakley, for Sprewell and Camby. The Knicks barely made the playoffs as the 8th seed in the East at 27-23. They gave an incredible upset to Miami on a game 5 game wining shot by Allan Houston! The Knicks then swept the Hawks and were in a matchup against the Indiana Pacers. This series was one of the greatest in NBA history. It included a 4 point play by Larry Johnson to give the Knicks a 2-1 series lead. In game 6 the Knicks had the Graden rocking as they made it to the NBA finals yet again. The Knicks went on losing it to the Spurs in a game 5. Ewing injured proved costly and the Spurs dominated inside.

<font size="2">1999-2001
The Knicks New Eastern Force</font>
The Knicks after this run had high expectations. They won 50 and 47 games. This club made a very hard one parting ways with the franchise player for over about 15 years: Patrick Ewing Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell were a great high scoring duo for this club. . Houston was an All-Star as well as an Olympian. The Knicks made it to the playoffs eliminating the Raptors 3-0 the Heat 4-3 and losing to the Pacers 4-2. The next year despite a decent 47-35 record, they were embarrassed by the Raptors as they lost after being up 2-0.

<font size="2">2002-2003
Mini Dark Age</font>
The Knicks started off to a dismal 10-9 start and coach Jeff Van Gundy shocked the NBA world resigning from the Knicks. As Chaney took over, the Knicks went to an abominable 30-52 record.

After having a decent pick in the NBA draft, Scott Layden, the Knicks GM traded it along with high energy athlete Marcus Camby, for Antonio McDyess and Frank Williams. The season looked brighter than last however, looked just as gloomy when McDyess got injuried in preseason. The Knicks made a valiant effort in trying to make the playoffs but, it fell short as the Knicks went 37-45. This season included two 50 point performances from Allan Houston.

The Knicks were in the Lottery again and made a trade sending Latrell Sprewell for Keith Van Horn. The season did not at all seem more promising than the last as the Knicks started off below .500. Layden?s antics proved to be useless and detrimental to the Knicks so Isiah Thomas was hired to take his place.

<font size="2">2004-
?Dawning of a New Era?</font>
Isiah Thomas with just two weeks as GM traded and received NY native Stephon Marbury and Penny Hardaway. McDyess, Eisley, Ward, and 2nd round pick rookie Lampe were in the deal. The new team was gelling fast and very well. Then Isiah Thomas made perhaps the most controversial trading Keith Van Horn for Tim Thomas and Nazr Mohammed. The hot team cooled off a bit and just hung on to the 7th seed of the playoffs. Due to injuries to Allan Houston and Tim Thomas, the Knicks fell to New Jersey 4-0.

Isiah made more trades as he acquired exciting combo guard Jamal Crawford and solid role player Jerome Williams. The Knicks have definitely improved but, how long will it take for them to again be a top notch team? Could another ?99 run be in our future?

Interesting Facts:
-The most points ever by the team is 162
-The most points allowed is 100 by Wilt Chamberlain
-The worst loss was by 62 points.
-The most points by a player is 60 by Bernard King
-The Knicks and the Celtics are the only teams that still have their same name and play in the same location.



<font size="2">Knicks Logos Over The Years</font>
1946-1964 Father Knickerbocker Logo

This was desingned by Willard Mullin. This is perhaps the most important logo because in addition to it being the first, it also gives us a more visual idea of our name. Where as the other Knicks logos are more focused on the lettering.

1964-1992
The Classic Roundball Logo

For the 1964-1965 season, the Knicks used The Classic Roundball logo, designed by Bud Freeman. The logo was the same one that the Knicks won both of their Championships with. Only a few changes of color and style adjustments, it stayed the same until 1991-92.

Also, during the late 1960?s and early 1970?s, the Knicks used a secondary logo. It was used on their tickets and merchandise.

1992-1994
The New Modernized Logo

This was the new Knicks logo. The 3 dimensional letters in the triangle, was one of a kind and the designer, Tom O'Grady, had clearly done a good job.

1995-1999
A Small Chnage

The logo was changed just a bit adding ?New York? on top of it.

1995-1999
50TH Aniversary logo

This is the 50th anniversary logo that the Knicks used.

1999-2000
The Next Century Logo

This was the logo that was used in 1999-2000

Current
Current Secondary Logo

This is our current secondary logos and are located on the top of every Knick jerseys back.

 

[jbb94ftOfTherapy]

Fantastic post you obviously spent alot of time on it. cudos

 

[Knicks Analyst]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 94ftOfTherapy:</div><div class="quote_post">Fantastic post you obviously spent alot of time on it. cudos</div>
Actually, 85% of that was directly from the Knicks website.
* I should know, I'm doing a research report on Dave DeBusschere.

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 94ftOfTherapy:</div><div class="quote_post">Fantastic post you obviously spent alot of time on it. cudos</div>
Thanks, I did sprend a lot of time on it. It took me about 5 hours to finish it. I just hope it pays off as much as the effort I put in it.

I got it from the Knicks page because what better info can you get if it's not at its official website.

 

[Ming637]

I think this should be stickied. Great job, Mrj18.

 

[JWohl]

great job

Thank mrj18 for that great history section on the knicks. you clearly spent a lot of time on it and it is great. Thank You

 

[Mr. J]

I made a brief change. I just added the eastern conference semi finals apperances and changed the begining Knicks logo.

 

[knickstroll]

i cant tell u much about the knicks history, but i can tell u about their future. they are gonna suck for about 4 more years, and then sign marbury (isiah's savior, lol) to another huge contract, so he can be the next coming of allan houston. knicks suck. its official. i dont even know y i post things anymore. their play is doing the talking for me. lol its great. hahahahha.

 

[Mr. J]

Keep the faith homie.

Also Welcome to the Knicks forum! It's great to see another member here especially if it's a Knicks fan. Hopefully you can help keep this place rolling. It has been a little dead as of late. Definitely not like how it was in the summer and early school months. People are real busy these days. I wish I could lend them some of my freetime.

 

[knickstroll]

first of all im not a fan. second of all i dont think knicks fans arent posting here b/c theyre busy. its b/c the knicks suck ass so much that everyone is too embarass to acknowledge them as a professional team. think about it. this team is payed over $100 million to suck every night. thats pathetic.

 

[Mr. J]

Before you came to JustBBall, you didn't did you do a bit of research? If you did, you would know that statement was incorrect. The Warriors are not doing well at all and they will probably miss the playoffs and yet they are one the top boards here in JustBBall, arguably the best! Instead of stating how bad they are, why don't you post some suggestions on how they can become better.

 

[j0se]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting knickstroll:</div><div class="quote_post">first of all im not a fan. second of all i dont think knicks fans arent posting here b/c theyre busy. its b/c the knicks suck ass so much that everyone is too embarass to acknowledge them as a professional team. think about it. this team is payed over $100 million to suck every night. thats pathetic.</div>

if Knicks lose 82 games this season, its not going to stop me from watching them or being a fan, once you're a Knick fan, it stays forever


Nice thread Mr. J.

 

[bbwAce]

this was definitely an awesome piece man...the time and effort that went into it is quite obvious...nice work, and its a great addition to the Knicks forum...

 

[Equint77]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting j0se:</div><div class="quote_post">if Knicks lose 82 games this season, its not going to stop me from watching them or being a fan, once you're a Knick fan, it stays forever


Nice thread Mr. J.</div>


Good Post.. I agree.. even if they lost all their games I don't think I could see myself not ever cheering for the Knicks. I've been a fan for 13 years now and I'm more than likely gonna die a Knicks fan.

 

[Flow]

Man, big props for making this ! Every team in this forum should have a history thread like this.

I knew alot more of the Knicks now. Great job MrJ !

 

[BigDaddyAl1973]

This started out so good...what happened???