22
Oct
5 min read
New York Knicks NBA Profile: Five things you need to know
Storied Franchise Seeking Return to Championship Glory
- Original NBA franchise with rich history dating back to 1946
- Two NBA championships (1970, 1973) led by legendary players like Willis Reed and Walt Frazier
- Resurgence under Tom Thibodeau, returning to playoffs in 2021 and 2023 after long drought
The New York Knicks are one of the NBA's most iconic franchises, playing in the world's most famous arena and representing basketball's biggest market.
Team Profile:
- Location: New York, New York
- Year Founded: 1946
- Home Arena: Madison Square Garden
- Championships: 2 (1970, 1973)
- Major Rivals: Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat
Australians who have played for the New York Knicks
Luc Longley: Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Longley was the first Australian to play in the NBA. After winning three championships with the Chicago Bulls, he joined the Knicks for the 2000–2001 season. Longley played 25 games for New York, averaging 2.0 points and 2.6 rebounds per game before retiring due to injury.
Identity
Team Philosophy: The Knicks have traditionally emphasised tough, physical defense and a methodical offensive approach. Under Tom Thibodeau, they've returned to those roots with an emphasis on effort and accountability.
Playing Style: Today's Knicks play a gritty, defensive-minded style focused on slowing the pace and grinding out victories. Offensively, they rely heavily on point guard Jalen Brunson and three-point shooting big Karl Anthony-Towns to create scoring opportunities.
Club Culture: The Knicks have one of the NBA's most passionate and demanding fanbases. Playing in New York brings immense pressure and scrutiny, but also the opportunity for players to become legendary figures in the sport's biggest market.
Legacy & Impact
- Early 1970s: Led by Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, and coached by Red Holzman, the Knicks won their only two championships and epitomised team basketball.
- 1990s - Patrick Ewing's Knicks were perennial contenders, reaching two NBA Finals and engaging in fierce rivalries with Michael Jordan's Bulls and Reggie Miller's Pacers.
- Early 2010s - The Carmelo Anthony-led Knicks had several successful seasons, including a 54-win campaign in 2012-13.
Famous Teams
- 1969-70 NBA Championship Team
- 1972-73 NBA Championship Team
- 1993-94 Eastern Conference Champions
- 1998-99 Eastern Conference Champions
Key Figures
- Willis Reed: MVP of both championship runs and author of one of the NBA's most iconic moments in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals.
- Walt "Clyde" Frazier: Stylish point guard who was the engine of the championship teams.
- Patrick Ewing: Franchise cornerstone for 15 years who led the team to consistent playoff appearances in the 1990s.
- Carmelo Anthony: Seven-time All-Star who led the Knicks' most recent successful era.
Five Fast Facts
- The Knicks were one of the founding members of the Basketball Association of America in 1946, which later became the NBA.
- New York has retired nine jersey numbers, including those of Patrick Ewing (#33) and Walt Frazier (#10).
- The team's name comes from the term "knickerbocker," a reference to the style of pants worn by early Dutch settlers of New York.
- The Knicks' 54 wins in 2012-13 are their most in a single season since 1996-97.
- Julius Randle became the first Knick to win the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 2021.
Club Timeline
1946: Knicks founded as original BAA/NBA franchise
1970: Win first NBA championship
1973: Capture second NBA title
1985: Win first NBA draft lottery, select Patrick Ewing
1994: Reach NBA Finals, lose to Houston Rockets
1999: Return to NBA Finals as 8th seed, fall to San Antonio Spurs
2013: Win first division title in 19 years
2021: Return to playoffs after 8-year drought
2023: Win first playoff series in 10 years
Key Statistics
All-Time Record: 2,891-3,021 (as of end of 2023-24 season)
Championship History: 2 titles (1970, 1973)
Hall of Fame Players: 24
Retired Numbers: 9
Records: Most games played for franchise — Patrick Ewing (1,039)
Today
The Knicks have experienced a resurgence under head coach Tom Thibodeau, returning to the playoffs in 2021 and 2023 after a long drought. The team traded Julius Randle to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns and the franchise hopes pairing him Jalen Brunson and young players such as RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley the Knicks will make a deep playoff run.
While not yet at the level of championship contention, the Knicks have reestablished themselves as a competitive force in the Eastern Conference. The 2023-24 season saw them win 50 games and reach the second round of the playoffs, falling to the Indiana Pacers in seven games.
The challenge for the Knicks moving forward will be to build on this recent success and take the next step towards true title contention. With a solid core in place and the allure of Madison Square Garden to attract free agents, the Knicks are poised to remain relevant in the coming years as they seek to add to their championship legacy.
