Which jersey numbers have the New York Knicks retired?
The New York Knicks are one of the most successful teams in NBA history. Almost 10% of players retired by Naismith Hall of Fame wore a Knicks jersey. But it seems like the Knicks are not so fast at retiring jerseys as the Hall is of accepting players in. So far, the Knicks have retired only nine numbers in honor of their players and staff.
Here are all the New York Knicks retired Jersey numbers.
Walt Fraizer #10
Walt Fraizer is a legend in New York. He helped the Knicks win two championships. It is no surprise that his No.10 is retired by the Knicks. Frazier played 10 seasons for the Knicks, averaging 19.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists in those years. He was the focus of the 70’s Knicks, one of the best generation of Knicks players of all time.
The New York Knicks retired Walt Fraizer’s Jersey on December 15, 1979.
Earl Monroe #15
The next player on the list is Earl Monroe. He joined the Knicks after they’ve won their first title, and helped the team win the second one in 73. Monroe wore No.15. But there was another player that has wore No.15 in Knicks history. That player is Dick McGuire, who played 8 seasons for the Knicks in the 50’s. But by the time Monroe came to town, the number was not yet retired. The Knicks, however, retired No.15 with both Monroe and McGuire names on it.
The New York Knicks retired Earl Monroe’s Jersey on March 1, 1986.
Dick McGuire #15
Richard Joseph “Dick” McGuire was the 1949 first round, seventh pick for the New York Knicks. McGuire played eight seasons for the Knicks from 1949 – 1957. Dick MgGuire also coached the Knickerbockers from 1965 – 1968.
The New York Knicks retired Dick McGuire’s Jersey on March 14, 1992.
Willis Reed #19
Moving on to the player that could have been one of the best centers in the history of the league. Sadly, he got injured towards the end of his career, and called it quits. But Knicks fans will never forget Willis Reed, and his memorable comeback in the NBA Finals. Reed played 10 seasons for the Knicks from the late 60’s to the early 70’s, and averaged 18.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2 assists, and one 1 block in the process. He wore No.19.
The New York Knicks retired Willis Reed’s Jersey on October 21, 1976.
Bill Bradley #24
The last two players of the 70’s generation that have their jerseys retired by the Knicks are Bill Bradley and Dave DeBusschere. Bradley played his entire career in New York and averaged 12.4 points in the process. He might not have been the star as Monroe and Frazier, but Bradley was essential ingredient to the Knicks success. He wore No.22 in New York.
The New York Knicks retired Bill Bradley’s Jersey on February 18, 1984.
Dave DeBusschere #22
Dave DeBusschere, on the other hand, was monster during his Knicks days. He joined in 1969, and was part of the two championship teams. Dave averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds during his Knicks days, which is tad worse than his 16.1 points and 11 rebounds during his Pistons days. DeBusschere wore No.24.
The New York Knicks retired Dave DeBusschere’s Jersey on March 24, 1981.
Patrick Ewing #33
The last player with his jersey retired by the Knicks is Patrick Ewing. Patrick was the savior of the Knicks of the 90’s. New York selected the hometown hero with the No.1 pick in the 1985 draft. That choice is still seen as controversial among NBA fans. Be as is it, Ewing spent 15 seasons in New York, helping the team get to the Finals two times. They failed both times, once against San Antonio, and once against Houston. No.33 averaged 22.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2.7 blocks, and one steal during his Knicks days, helping New York carve that tough team identity.
The New York Knicks retired Patrick Ewing’s Jersey on February 28, 2003.
Red Holzman #613
The last number retired by the Knicks is No.613. That is the total wins accomplished by legendary coach Red Holzman. He coached the Knicks to 2 championships.
The New York Knicks retired 613 in honor of Red Holzman on March 10, 1990.
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You left out Dick Barnett, from Gary Indiana, number 12, who won two championships with the Knicks, both against the Lakers. Maybe a picture was hard to find.
I can remember sitting at the kitchen table with my father listening on a clock radio my dad would get from his bedroom. Marv Albert and AM radio. I had pictures of Dollar Bill and Clyde cut out from Sports Illustrated hanging on my bedroom door. The NBA was on tv on Sundays, CBS,but all the other ones we had to listen on radio. My dad passed away 15 years ago but that was something we reminisce about for 30 years afterward.
If This Team Becomes As Efficient As I Know They Can Become With The Drafted “Duke Dynamic Duo” The Next Jersey Numbers To Be Retired Will Definitely Be #23, #30, #9, And #17. This Team Is Special And The Coach Is A Defensive Mastermind Like Pat Riley, And Jeff Van Gundy Which By The Way Were The Only NY Knicks Coaches To Go To The Finals In The 1990’s. Clearly, The Hard Nose Defense Will Be Back And Indeed Better Than Ever. We Have RJ “Who May I Add” Will Be “THE AIR J” For The NY Knicks. That Is Right! Do You Smell The ChampionShips In The Building? Lol! Let The Games Begin!
Mr. Boelcke These New York Knicks Under David Fizdale Might Be Exactly As You Have Described. These New York Knicks Will Surprise Everyone Because They All Want To Prove That They Can Make It In The NBA. Besides, Mr. Fizdale Will Take Advantage Of All The Players’ Skills That Are Available To Him. With This In Mind, We Will Precisely See Different Players Stepping Up Every Night To Save The Team. A Great Starting Lineup Will Be #26 At Center, Julius Randle At Power Forward, JR Barrett At Small Forward, Iggy Brazdeikeis At Shooting Guard, And Dennis Smith Jr. At Point Guard. The Key Is To Maintain The Drafted Duke Duo Effectively Efficient And They Will Deliver Gold Every Night. The Whole Team Is Therefore Meant To Supplement This Duke Dynamic Duo With A Positionless Team In Which They Will Create The Perfect Nightmare For The Opponents.
I may live in Idaho, but have been a Knicks fan for my entire 67 years. For me, it was never better than 1967-1974 … you know, the era when the Knicks were great, unselfish, won their only two championships and had so many of their best players. I love them all and it sure is worth remembering. It was never that good again. You see, a guy like Porzingis would never fit that team. You had to be a team man and unselfish. Who was the best player? One of the great things about that team was that on any given night, any of their players might be the “best player.” I saw it happen time and time again.