Greatest 5 Scorers in New York Knicks History

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The New York Knicks have a rich and storied history, dating all the way back to their inaugural season in 1946-47. Over the years, they have been home to some of the NBA's most legendary scorers. However, one player in particular stands out among the rest in the annals of Knicks history - Patrick Ewing. Ewing, who spent the majority of his career with the team, scored an impressive 23,665 points, solidifying his place as a true Knicks great.

1. Patrick Ewing – 23,665 Points

The No.1 overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft delivered on his potential right out of the gate and goes down as one of the best big men in Knicks history — and the league’s history. Ewing took Rookie of the Year honors and backed it up with several Top 5 finishes in MVP voting and 11 All-Star appearances. Ewing averaged at least 20 points per game over his first 13 seasons and topped out at 28.6 points per game in the 1989-90 season. After his playing career, Ewing went on to be an assistant coach for four NBA teams before taking on head coaching duties at Georgetown, his alma mater.

2. Walt Frazier – 14,617 Points

Nicknamed “Clyde” and “Mr. Cool”, Frazier had 10 notable seasons with the Knicks during his playing career. He averaged 21.2 points per game on 49.3% shooting during his run of seven consecutive All-Star nods. Frazier played a major role in both of the Knicks’ NBA championship teams (1970, 1973) and his No.10 jersey is in the rafters of Madison Square Garden. His performance in the 1970 NBA Finals was particularly notable as he dropped 36 points in the decisive Game 7. 

3. Willis Reed – 12,183 Points

“The Captain” was one of the great big men of the 1960s and early 70s and his accomplishments on the court earned him a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Reed spent his 10-year career with the Knicks and won the NBA MVP in the 1969-70 season. Like Frazier, one of Reed’s biggest moments came in the 1970 NBA Finals. Reed was dealing with a severe leg injury going into Game 7 but gutted through 27 minutes and made both of his field-goal attempts. The injury bug shortened what could have been an even more legendary career for Reed.

4. Allan Houston – 12,183 Points

Houston began his career with the Pistons but is best known for his handiwork with the Knicks. The smooth-shooting guard was part of a memorable Knicks team that made it to the NBA Finals despite being the No.8 seed in the East. During that playoff run, Houston averaged 18.5 points per game. Houston spent nine seasons in New York and averaged those same 18.5 points per game throughout his tenure. 

5. Carl Braun– 10,392 Points

Another Hall of Famer on this list, Braun dominated with the Knicks from 1947 to 1961, including a two-year hiatus while serving in the United States Army. Braun returned in the 1952-53 season and went on to be named an All-Star in each of his next five seasons. He averaged double-digit points in all but one of his seasons with the Knicks. Braun returned to New York to coach the Knicks for two seasons following his playing career.

More New York Knicks All-Time Scoring Leaders

Richie Guerin (10,392)

Carmelo Anthony (10,186)

Earl Monroe (9,679)

Dick Barnett (9,442)

Bill Bradley (9,217)