New York Knights Best Players of All Time

The New York Knights are a dynamic semi-professional rugby league team based in the heart of New York City. Founded in 1997, they have been part of the USA Rugby League since 1998 and play their home games at Pier 40 in Hudson River Park. The Knights boast an impressive record over two decades, making it to numerous grand finals and never missing out on a playoff spot since 2005. With talented players from all around the world as well as locals from New York, this is one sports team that you won’t want to miss.

1. Patrick Ewing

Power forward

Career

• 11× NBA All-Star (1986, 1988–1997)
• All-NBA First Team (1990)
• 6× All-NBA Second Team (1988, 1989, 1991–1993, 1997)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1988, 1989, 1992)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1986)
• NBA All-Rookie Team (1986)
• NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
• No. 33 retired by New York Knicks
• NCAA champion (1984)
• NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1984)
• National college player of the year (1985)
• 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1983–1985)
• 2× Big East Player of the Year (1984, 1985)
• 4× Big East Defensive Player of the Year (1982–1985)
• 3× First-team All-Big East (1983–1985)
• Second-team All-Big East (1982)
• National high school player of the year (1981)
• McDonald's All-American (1981)
• 2× First-team Parade All-American (1980, 1981)

Patrick Ewing was one of the most decorated players in NBA history, winning numerous awards and accolades including five MVP Awards, three scoring titles, two Rookie of the Year Awards and two All-Star Games.

He played for the New York Knicks from 1985 to 2002 before joining the Houston Rockets following his retirement as a player. 

After coaching at Georgetown University (2005–2007), he returned to coach with the Knicks in 2008 but left again after just one season due to differences with team management.

In May 2018, he was appointed head coach of Georgetown Hoyas, his alma mater and current conference rivals who play in Big East Conference USA Division I. 

Patrick Ewing is married to Donna Smith and they have four children – daughters Kiari Kendrell Ewing (born 1996) and Aneka Elizabeth Ewing (born 2000), son Kiari Mitchell Jr., born 2004) and son Mychelle Gabrielle Faye Ewing (born 2006).

Patrick Ewing is one of the most successful and decorated players in NBA history. He was an 11-time All-Star, 6-time All-NBA First Team selection, 3x NBA All-Defensive Second Team honoree and Rookie of the Year winner. 

A 7' 1" center, Patrick Ewing made his debut with the New York Knicks in 1985 and spent 15 seasons with them before joining Seattle SuperSonics for the 2000–2001 season. 

After spending two years with Orlando Magic, Ewing joined Houston Rockets as an assistant coach under Rick Adelman from 2003 to 2007 before becoming head coach of Georgetown Hoyas from 2012 to 2017.

In 2017–2018 he led Georgetown to their first ever NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship appearance while also being named 2018 Naismith College Coach of the Year recipient after leading a squad that averaged 80 points per game en route to capturing 34 victories overall (an unprecedented feat). 

Now entering his 20th year coaching career, Patrick Ewing continues to make a significant impact on both individual players and collegiate programs alike - proving himself as one of basketball's all-time greats.

Also Played For: center basketball, new york knicks

2. Stephon Marbury

Career

• 2× NBA All-Star (2001, 2003)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (2000, 2003)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1997)
• Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (1996)
• First-team All-ACC (1996)
• ACC Rookie of the Year (1996)
• 2× First-team Parade All-American (1994, 1995)
• McDonald's All-American (1995)
• Mr. New York Basketball (1995)
• 3× CBA champion (2012, 2014, 2015)
• CBA Finals MVP (2015)
• CBA International MVP (2017)
• 3× CBA All Star

Stephon Marbury is a former NBA player who was most notably with the Milwaukee Bucks. He had a successful playing career, averaging 23.1 points and 5.7 assists per game in his 14-year career.

After leaving the NBA, he has been coaching in China where he has led the Beijing Royal Fighters to two CBA championships (2013, 2017).

Stephon Marbury was born on February 20th, 1977 in Brooklyn, New York and attended Abraham Lincoln High School before going onto play college basketball at Georgia Tech University where he won three NCAA Championships (1996–1998).

In 1996, the then- Milwaukee Bucks drafted him 4th overall and he went on to have a hugely successful professional playing career with them from 1996 until 2018.

When they traded him to Boston Celtics for Kyrie Irving Stephon Marbury is a three-time NBA All-Star and two-time Third Team All-NBA player. He played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, New Jersey Nets, Phoenix Suns, and the Knicks before coaching in China with Beijing Royal Fighters from 2019 to present.

Stephon Marbury’s career was highly decorated as he won 2x NBA All Star Game MVP Awards, as well as being an AP third team all american and a NJNets second team all american selection during his playing days in America.

Also Played For: minnesota timberwolves, china basketball league

3. Anthony Mason

Power forward

Career

• NBA All-Star (2001)
• All-NBA Third Team (1997)
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1997)
• NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1995)

Anthony Mason was born on December 14, 1966 in Miami, Florida. He played in the NBA from 1988 to 2003 and averaged 13 points and 7 rebounds per game over his career.

Mason died from a heart attack on February 28, 2015 at the age of 48. Anthony Mason was a versatile player who could play multiple positions on the court. Mason had an illustrious career with stints with three different teams, including two in the NBA.

He is best known for his time spent with the New Jersey Nets and Denver Nuggets, where he helped lead each team to playoffs appearances. In 2001, Mason was selected to participate in the All-Star game after averaging 18 points per game that season. 

After retiring from playing basketball, Mason has since worked as a television commentator and analyst for various leagues around the world.

4. Bill Cartwright

Center

Career

• 3× NBA champion (1991–1993)
• NBA All-Star (1980)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1980)
• 2× Consensus second-team All-American (1977, 1979)
• 3× WCAC Player of the Year (1977–1979)
• 3× First-team All-WCAC (1977–1979)
• Second-team All-WCAC (1976)
• No. 24 retired by San Francisco Dons
• Mr. Basketball USA (1975)
• First-team Parade All-American (1975)
• Third-team Parade All-American (1974)
• 2× California Mr. Basketball (1974, 1975)

Bill Cartwright was a dominant center in the NBA for over 20 seasons. He was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1979 and went on to play for them until 1995.

After leaving the NBA, he coached various teams before retiring in 2013. Cartwright was a three-time NBA champion as a player with the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Seattle SuperSonics.

He later served as an assistant coach for both the Chicago Bulls and New Jersey Nets before taking over as head coach of the Phoenix Suns in 2013. In his two seasons at the helm, Cartwright led the Suns to playoff appearances but they were unable to advance past the first round.

Prior to joining coaching ranks, Cartwright spent 18 years working in various capacities with teams throughout the NBA including stints with San Francisco (as Mr Basketball USA) and Osaka Evessa of Japan’s BBL league where he was team president/coach from 2014-2018.

Also Played For: chicago bulls

5. Mark Jackson

Point guard

Career

• NBA All-Star (1989)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1988)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1988)
• NBA assists leader (1997)
• Consensus second-team All-American (1987)
• Big East Defensive Player of the Year (1987)
• 2× First-team All-Big East (1986, 1987)
• Haggerty Award (1987)
• NCAA season assists leader (1986)

Mark Jackson played point guard for the New York Knicks from 1987 to 2004. He was named co-coach of the Golden State Warriors in 2011 and led them to their first championship in 40 years in 2014.

Jackson has a reputation as a player's coach, emphasizing defense and ball movement over scoring. He is married with two children and lives in Oakland, California. The former NBA player and coach is most well-known for his time with the New York Knicks, where he led them to two playoff appearances in four years.

Jackson also had a successful coaching career, leading Golden State to an appearance in the 2014 NBA Finals. He has been praised for his ability to connect with players on both sides of the ball, as well as developing young talent into stars like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

Also Played For: st. john's university

6. Cazzie Russell

Small forward

Career

• NBA champion (1970)
• NBA All-Star (1972)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1967)
• CBA Newcomer of the Year (1981)
• National college player of the year (1966)
• 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1965, 1966)
• Consensus second-team All-American (1964)
• No. 33 retired by Michigan Wolverines
• Mr. Basketball USA (1962)
• Fourth-team Parade All-American (1962)

Cazzie Russell was a highly successful small forward in the NBA for more than 20 years. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994. Russell played college basketball at Michigan and led the Wolverines to two NCAA championships (1963 and 1966).

He was drafted by the New York Knicks with the first overall pick in the 1966 NBA draft, and he went on to win three consecutive MVP awards (1969-71). 

After retiring from playing, Russell coached various teams throughout the league before becoming head coach of his alma mater, Michigan, in 1981.

He continues to serve as an influential figure within professional basketball today. Cazzie Russell is one of the most successful players in NBA history. He played for six different teams during his career, and won three championships with the New York Knicks. 

After retirement, he became a coach and led various teams to success, including the Atlanta Hawks and Armstrong State University.

7. Larry Johnson

Career

• 2× NBA All-Star (1993, 1995)
• All-NBA Second Team (1993)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1992)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1992)
• NCAA champion (1990)
• Naismith College Player of the Year (1991)
• John R. Wooden Award (1991)
• USBWA Player of the Year (1991)
• NABC Player of the Year (1991)
• Sporting News College Player of the Year (1991)
• 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1990, 1991)
• 2× Big West Player of the Year (1990, 1991)
• 2x First-team All-Big West (1990, 1991)
• No. 4 retired by UNLV Runnin' Rebels
• USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (1989)
• Mr. Basketball USA (1987)
• 2-Time National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Men's Basketball Player Of The Year
• First-team Parade All-American (1987)
• McDonald's All-American (1987)
• Texas Mr. Basketball (1987)

Larry Johnson was a highly-touted power forward who played in the NBA for ten seasons. He averaged 21.8 points and 10 rebounds per game over his career.

Johnson is perhaps best known for leading the Hornets to their first ever playoff appearance in 1995, which they eventually lost to the Chicago Bulls in six games.

After leaving Charlotte, Johnson spent two years with the Milwaukee Bucks before signing with Sacramento Kings in 2001, where he retired after playing just one season due to injury Larry Johnson was a prolific scorer in the NBA and is one of only four players to score 30,000 points in his career.

He also had good skills defensively, averaging 2.9 blocks per game over his career. His time with the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks were both successful.

He won two All-Star games and an NBA championship with the latter team. After retiring from playing professionally, Johnson worked as a commentator for ESPN for several years before joining TNT as an analyst early in 2018.

8. RJ Barrett

Guard

Career

• 2019–present: New York Knicks

RJ Barrett is a Canadian shooting guard who was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2020. Barrett started his college career at Duke and helped lead the Blue Devils to an NCAA Championship in 2019.

He has been compared to two-time MVP Stephen Curry, and is considered one of the best young players in the NBA. Barrett will likely be playing for the Knicks next season and looks poised to become a star player in the league soon.

RJ Barrett is a highly touted 3rd overall pick in this year's NBA draft and he has the potential to be one of the best players in the league.

He was named consensus first-team All-American and ACC player of the year as a freshman at Duke, before going on to win national high school player of the year accolades as a senior.

 Barrett has an impressive scoring record for a young player - he averaged 23 points per game at Duke while shooting 50% from three point range and 85% from the free throw line. 

His versatility will be key if he makes it into the NBA - Barrett can play both guard positions but his main strength may lie in his ability to create for others off the dribble or shoot from long range with accuracy.

The Knicks have been linked with Barrett throughout much of this pre-draft process, so there's no doubt they're excited about landing him third overall; New York is set up well offensively and needs another talented scorer alongside Kristaps Porzingis and Kevin Knox.

Also Played For: small forward, shooting guard

9. Derrick Rose

Point guard

Career

• NBA Most Valuable Player (2011)
• 3× NBA All-Star (2010–2012)
• All-NBA First Team (2011)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (2009)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2009)
• Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (2008)
• First-team Parade All-American (2007)
• Third-team Parade All-American (2005)
• Fourth-team Parade All-American (2006)
• McDonald's All-American (2007)
• Illinois Mr. Basketball (2007)

Derrick Rose was a standout player at Simeon Career Academy and helped lead the school to its first state championship in 2006. After one season at Memphis, he was drafted 1st overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2008.

Derrick Rose has been with the Bulls ever since and is considered one of the greatest point guards of all time. Injuries have plagued his career, but when he's on form Derrick Rose is unguardable. 

He announced his retirement from basketball in March 2019 after 16 seasons in the NBA Derrick Rose was one of the most highly touted high school players in history when he entered Illinois.

He broke numerous records while at Illinois, including leading the Fighting Illini to a National Championship in 2008. 

After being drafted by the Chicago Bulls with number 1 overall pick in 2009, Derrick Rose had an up-and-down career that included two MVP awards and five All-Star appearances before leaving for New York City this past offseason.

Also Played For: 2009–10 nba season, nba 2000s

10. Carmelo Anthony

Power forward

Career

• 10× NBA All-Star (2007, 2008, 2010–2017)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (2010, 2013)
• 4× All-NBA Third Team (2006, 2007, 2009, 2012)
• NBA scoring champion (2013)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)
• NBA 75th Anniversary Team
• NBA Social Justice Champion Award (2021)
• NCAA champion (2003)
• NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2003)
• Consensus second-team All-American (2003)
• USBWA National Freshman of the Year (2003)
• No. 15 retired by Syracuse Orange
• 2× USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2006, 2016)
• First-team Parade All-American (2002)
• McDonald's All-American (2002)

Carmelo Anthony is a two-time NBA MVP and six-time all-star. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2003, and has played for them, the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors.

In 2017 he joined the Houston Rockets as a free agent. Anthony is married to LaLa Vasquez and they have one daughter together named Kiara. 

Carmelo's hometown is Baltimore Maryland where he attended Towson Catholic High School before going on to play college basketball at Syracuse University from 2002 until 2003.

Winning an NCAA Championship in 2004 alongside fellow Syracuse alum Dwayne Wade Carmelo Anthony is an American professional basketball player who has played his entire career with the New York Knicks.

He was drafted by Denver Nuggets in 2003 and spent six seasons there before being traded to the Knicks in 2011. In 2017, he signed with Oklahoma City Thunder where he won a championship that year. 

Anthony then moved on to Houston Rockets for two seasons before returning to Oklahoma City for another title run in 2018-19 season. Melo is considered one of the best players in league history and will likely retire as a Hall of Famer when his playing days are over.

Also Played For: nba 75th anniversary team, syracuse orange men's basketball

11. Charles Oakley

Power forward

Career

• NBA All-Star (1994)
• NBA All-Defensive First Team (1994)
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1998)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1986)
• NABC Division II Player of the Year (1985)
• NCAA Division II rebounding leader (1985)

Charles Oakley was a power forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1985 to 2004. He is best known for his physical play on the court and has been suspended multiple times due to altercations with opponents.

After retiring as a player, he began coaching youth basketball in 2010 and 2011. Charles Oakley was born in 1963 in Cleveland, Ohio, and played high school basketball at John Hay High School before attending Virginia Union University where he played college ball.

He was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the ninth pick of the 1985 NBA draft and went on to have an illustrious career playing alongside Hall-of-Famers such as Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. 

In 2003, Charles Oakley filed suit against then Cavs owner Gordon Gund over comments made about him following a game that season; this eventually led to a settlement between both parties which forced him into retirement from playing professional basketball altogether Shortly after his retirement, he started coaching youth basketball.

Charles Oakley is a retired professional basketball player who played his entire career with the Chicago Bulls. In 1985, Charles Oakley led NCAA Division II in rebounds and was named NCAA Division II Player of the Year. 

Charles Oakley joined the NBA in 1988 with the Chicago Bulls and quickly became one of their best players, earning All-Star honors four times during his 13-year career. 

After retiring from playing in 2001, Charles Oakley started working as an assistant coach for Charlotte Bobcats before becoming head coach of the Houston Rockets in 2004; he resigned after just two seasons due to health reasons.

Charles Oakley currently lives in Harlem, New York City, and works as a commentator for ESPN shows such as SportsCenter and NBA Countdown.

Also Played For: toronto raptors, big 3

12. Amar'e Stoudemire

Power forward

Career

• 6× NBA All-Star (2005, 2007–2011)
• All-NBA First Team (2007)
• 4× All-NBA Second Team (2005, 2008, 2010, 2011)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (2003)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2003)
• 2× Israeli Basketball Premier League champion (2017, 2020)
• Israeli Basketball Premier League Finals MVP (2020)
• Israeli Cup winner (2019)
• 2× Israeli Basketball Premier League All-Star (2017, 2019)
• All-EuroCup Second Team (2017)
• Israeli League Cup winner (2016)
• First-team Parade All-American (2002)
• McDonald's All-American (2002)
• Florida Mr. Basketball (2002)

Stoudemire was born on November 16, 1982 in Lake Wales, Florida. He attended high school at Lake Wales Christian Academy and then Mount Zion Christian Academy before playing college basketball with Cypress Creek.

Stoudemire entered the NBA draft in 2002 and was selected by the Phoenix Suns 9th overall. In his first season with Phoenix he averaged 17 points and 7 rebounds per game while helping to lead the Suns to their only appearance in the playoffs that year (they lost to eventual champions Los Angeles Lakers).

After a couple of seasons where injuries disrupted his progress, Stoudemire signed with New York Knicks in 2009 as part of a blockbuster trade which also involved Steve Nash and Antoine Walker being sent from Phoenix to NYK.

The move paid off for Stoudemire who went on to win two consecutive MVP Awards (2010-11) becoming just the second player ever (after Michael Jordan) to achieve this feat whilst playing for two different teams over an extended period of time - joining. 

Wilt Chamberlain who achieved this during three separate spells with Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls & San Francisco Warriors respectively.

Injuries have continued to dog him however and he announced his retirement from professional basketball following a disappointing performance at 2017's Olympic Games - having previously stated that he would like one more shot at winning an NBA title. 

Amar'e Stoudemire is a power forward and center who has played in the NBA since 2002. He was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2002, and spent five seasons with them before signing with the New York Knicks in 2010. 

In 2015, he signed with the Dallas Mavericks, where he remained for two seasons before moving to Miami Heat in 2016. He then joined Hapoel Jerusalem for one season before joining Fujian Sturgeons of China for 2020 season.

Also Played For: phoenix suns

13. Bernard King

Small forward

Career

• 4× NBA All-Star (1982, 1984, 1985, 1991)
• 2× All-NBA First Team (1984, 1985)
• All-NBA Second Team (1982)
• All-NBA Third Team (1991)
• NBA Comeback Player of the Year (1981)
• NBA All-Rookie Team (1978)
• NBA scoring champion (1985)
• Consensus first-team All-American (1977)
• Consensus second-team All-American (1976)
• Third-team All-American – NABC (1975)
• 3× SEC Player of the Year (1975–1977)
• No. 53 retired by Tennessee Volunteers

Bernard King was a versatile player who excelled at both scoring and defense. He spent most of his career with the Golden State Warriors, where he won two NBA championships.

King played college basketball for Tennessee, where he led the team to the NCAA Championship in 1977. After being drafted by the New York Nets in 1977, he went on to play for the Nets, Utah Jazz, and then Golden State Warriors before retiring in 1993.

King is one of only five players ever to win an MVP award (1978), a championship (1979 with Utah Jazz), and a Finals MVP Award (1981 with Golden State Warriors). 

In 1999, Bernard was posthumously awarded an honorary degree from his alma mater Tennessee University.

King was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to fitness; as a result of these habits, he remained injury free throughout his playing career. 

In 2007, Bernard received The Presidential Medal Of Freedom from U Bernard King was an all-star player in the NBA for many years, and he is particularly remembered for his clutch play.

He played college basketball at Tennessee, where he won three conference titles and was named a third-team All-American. After several successful seasons with the New York Knicks, King was traded to Washington in 1987. 

He continued to be a valuable player on both teams until retiring in 1991 after playing with the Nets for two more seasons. 

Bernard King has been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame, including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Basketball Hall of Fame.

Also Played For: university of tennessee basketball, tennessee volunteers men's basketball

14. Dick McGuire

Career

• 7× NBA All-Star (1951, 1952, 1954–1956, 1958, 1959)
• All-NBA Second Team (1951)
• NBA assists leader (1950)
• No. 15 retired by New York Knicks
• Second-team All-American – SN (1944)
• Third-team All-American – UPI (1949)
• 2× Haggerty Award (1944, 1949)

Dick McGuire was born on January 25, 1926 in The Bronx, New York. After playing high school basketball at La Salle Academy in New York City, Dick McGuire enrolled at St.

John's University and played for the Red Storm from 1943 to 1944 and 1946 to 1949. In 1949, the Knicks drafted McGuire seventh overall and he would play with them until 1960.

He is best remembered for his time with the team as a point guard during their championship years of 1950–1953 and 1957–1959. After retiring from playing professional basketball.

Dick McGuire became an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers (1973), Phoenix Suns (1975), Cleveland Cavaliers (1976) and Detroit Pistons (1978).

He also served as head coach of Iona College from 1979 to 1981 before retiring completely after coaching Team USA at the World Games in Spain in 1987 where they finished second behind Yugoslavia. 

Dick McGuire passed away on February 3rd 2010 after a long battle with brain cancer at age 84.[2] Dick McGuire was an assistant coach for the New York Knicks from 1959 to 1963.

He led the team to its first NBA championship in 1964, and then coached them to another title in 1969. He retired after coaching the Knicks for two more seasons, but he remained involved with basketball as a consultant and television commentator.

Dick McGuire is also known for his role on ABC's The Basketball Show, which aired from 1986 to 2003. In 2009, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from USA BasketBALL magazine.

15. J. R. Smith

Small forward

Career

• 2× NBA champion (2016, 2020)
• NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2013)
• CBA scoring champion (2012)
• CBA All-Star (2012)
• Second-team Parade All-American (2004)
• McDonald's All-American Game Co-MVP (2004)

J. R. Smith joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2020 and has been a key part of their championship-winning team ever since. He is known for his shooting skills, and has averaged over 20 points per game throughout his career.

J.R.'s family was originally from New Jersey, where he attended high school at Lakewood before going to St Benedict's Prep in Newark afterwards. 

After spending four seasons with the Hornets, Smith signed with the Golden State Warriors in 2014 and helped them win two championships during that time period as well 5th (2017) 6th (2018).

J. R. Smith was one of the most prolific scorers in Cleveland Cavaliers history and is still a key contributor off the bench. He has won championships with both New Orleans Hornets (2004) and Denver Nuggets (2006). 

In 2012, he led Zhejiang Golden Bulls to Chinese Basketball Association title before signing with Knicks the following year.

J.R.'s scoring average dipped during his time in New York but he remains an important part of their rotation today; averaging 10 points per game since joining them in 2015-16 season as a free agent from Cavs after being waived by Cleveland midway through 2019-20.

The campaign due to trade demands from Boston Celtics ownership group headed up by Danny Ainge Smith scored 41 points on 14-of-25 shooting while filling in for Kyrie Irving.

Who missed Game 5 against Milwaukee Bucks due to injury which propelled Cavaliers into Eastern Conference Finals where they eventually lost 4 games to eventual NBA Champion Boston Celtics 6The 33 year old guard also averaged 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block over.

That span including playoffs 7JR Smith's play will be crucial if Cavs want any chance at dethroning Warriors as Western Conference Champions.

Also Played For: cleveland cavaliers, new orleans pelicans

16. Bill Bradley

Career

• 2× NBA champion (1970, 1973)
• NBA All-Star (1973)
• No. 24 retired by New York Knicks
• EuroLeague champion (1966)
• NCAA Final Four MOP (1965)
• USBWA College Player of the Year (1965)
• AP College Player of the Year (1965)
• Helms Foundation College Player of the Year (1965)
• 2× Sporting News Player of the Year (1964, 1965)
• UPI College Player of the Year (1965)
• 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1964, 1965)
• BUSF British University champion (1966)
• ABBA English National champion (1966)
• Mr. Basketball USA (1961)
• First-team Parade All-American (1961)
• Second-team Parade All-American (1960)

Bill Bradley was a United States Senator from New Jersey, who served from 1979 to 1997. He is best known for his unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for President in 1988, and his defeat by George H.

W. Bush that year. Bradley later became an advocate on issues such as education reform and global warming awareness. In 2003, he published My Life: A Memoir of Politics and Purpose which topped The New York Times Best Seller list shortly after its release.

Bill Bradley was born in Crystal City, Missouri on February 18, 1951. He attended Princeton University and played basketball for the Tigers before being drafted by the New York Knicks in the 1965 NBA draft. 

After playing for several teams throughout his career, including the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, he retired from professional basketball in 1988.

In 1993 Bill Bradley ran for president of the United States as a Democrat but narrowly lost to incumbent George H W Bush. 

Since then he has continued to work in politics and served as Secretary of State under President Barack Obama from 2009-2013 before retiring again at the end of 2016 due to poor health status. 

Nowadays Bradley is an advocate for human rights and environmentalism and regularly gives speeches around the country.

17. David Lee

Career

• 2005–2010: New York Knicks
• 2010–2015: Golden State Warriors
• 2015–2016: Boston Celtics
• 2016: Dallas Mavericks
• 2016–2017: San Antonio Spurs

David Lee was a dominant player in the NBA for several years, and is still considered one of the best power forwards in history. He was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2005, but soon moved on to be a key player with the Golden State Warriors.

Lee won two MVP awards during his time with the Warriors, and retired from playing following their 2017 season. 

David Lee is a three-time NBA All-Star and two-time champion. He was named to the Second Team All-NBA in 2013, as well as being a member of the 2003 McDonald's All American team.

David Lee has averaged over 14 points per game throughout his career, while also averaging around 8 rebounds per contest – numbers which have seen him earn both an NBA title and spot on the all star teams twice apiece.

18. Marcus Camby

Power forward

Career

• NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2007)
• 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2007, 2008)
• 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2005, 2006)
• 4× NBA blocks leader (1998, 2006–2008)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1997)
• National college player of the year (1996)
• Consensus first-team All-American (1996)
• Atlantic 10 Player of the Year (1996)
• No. 21 retired by UMass Minutemen
• Fourth-team Parade All-American (1993)

Marcus Camby is a 48-year-old American center who spent 19 seasons in the NBA. He was drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the second overall pick in 1996 and played for them until 2013.

Marcus is best known for his defensive abilities, as he was named to six All-Star teams and won three Defensive Player of The Year Awards during his career. 

In 2013, he retired from professional basketball after playing for Houston Rockets that season but has since returned to play amateur basketball in Europe Camby was a dominant player in the NBA for many years, and he is still considered one of the best center defenders ever.

Camby was selected to several All-Star teams and won multiple awards during his career. He played with some of the biggest names in basketball, including Michael Jordan, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. 

Camby will be remembered most fondly by Knicks fans for his time spent with them between 2008 and 2010.

Also Played For: 2006–07 nba season, university of massachusetts amherst

19. Bob McAdoo

Center

Career

• 2× NBA champion (1982, 1985)
• NBA Most Valuable Player (1975)
• 5× NBA All-Star (1974–1978)
• All-NBA First Team (1975)
• All-NBA Second Team (1974)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1973)
• NBA All-Rookie Team (1973)
• 3× NBA scoring champion (1974–1976)
• NBA 75th Anniversary Team
• FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion (1987)
• 2× EuroLeague champion (1987, 1988)
• EuroLeague Final Four MVP (1988)
• EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (1988)
• 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008)
• 2× Italian League champion (1987, 1989)
• Italian Cup winner (1987)
• Consensus first-team All-American (1972)
• First-team All-ACC (1972)
• National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All American (1971)

Bob McAdoo was one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. He averaged 25 points and 15 rebounds per game during his career, winning three consecutive MVP Awards (1982-84).

After playing for the Braves, he went on to play for the Washington Bullets, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. He retired after a stellar 16 year career with the Lakers in 1992.

Bob McAdoo is a two time inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame (1984, 1990) and has been voted into both the National Association of Basketball Coaches' Hall of Fame (1992) and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Of Fame (2018).

In 2002 he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease but continues to make public appearances as a spokesperson for Alzheimers research initiatives. From 1975 to 1985, Bob McAdoo was one of the most successful big men in NBA history. He won two championships and was named MVP twice.

After retiring as a player, McAdoo became an assistant coach with the Miami Heat from 1995 to 2014. He is best known for helping his team win back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007.

In addition to coaching, McAdoo continues to play in international competitions and is currently playing for Filanto Forlì in Italy’s Serie A league.

Also Played For: los angeles clippers, los angeles lakers

20. Spencer Haywood

Power forward

Career

• NBA champion (1980)
• ABA Most Valuable Player (1970)
• 4× NBA All-Star (1972–1975)
• ABA All-Star (1970)
• ABA All-Star Game MVP (1970)
• 2× All-NBA First Team (1972, 1973)
• All-ABA First Team (1970)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (1974, 1975)
• ABA Rookie of the Year (1970)
• ABA All-Rookie First Team (1970)
• ABA scoring champion (1970)
• ABA rebounding leader (1970)
• ABA All-Time Team
• No. 24 retired by Seattle SuperSonics
• Consensus first-team All-American (1969)
• No. 45 retired by Detroit Mercy Titans
• NCAA rebounding leader (1969)
• Mr. Basketball USA (1967)

Haywood was a prolific scorer in the NBA, averaging 22.9 points per game over his career. He played for the Buffalo Braves and Detroit Pistons before joining the Utah Jazz in 1983.

Haywood won two championships with Utah, in 1984 and 1985, making him one of only four players to win both an MVP Award (1984) and a championship (1985). 

Haywood later had spells with Charlotte Hornets, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks, retiring from professional basketball in 1993 at the age of 38 after playing 111 games for Philadelphia that season.

After retirement from basketball he became an agent and helped guide several young players through their careers including Deron Williams and Kevin Garnett Haywood was one of the best big men in NBA history. 

He played for six different teams, including two championship squads with the Denver Rockets and Seattle SuperSonics. Haywood is a three-time All-Star and won an ABA MVP award while playing for the New York Knicks in 1978–79 season.

After retiring from professional basketball, he served as assistant coach with several teams before joining Rick Majerus' staff at Saint Louis University in 2001.

Also Played For: seattle supersonics, oklahoma city thunder

21. Dave DeBusschere

Power forward

Career

• 1962–1968: Detroit Pistons
• 1968–1974: New York Knicks
• As coach:
• 1964–1967: Detroit Pistons

Dave DeBusschere was born on October 16, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. He attended high school at Austin Catholic Preparatory School and played college basketball for the Detroit Mercy Spartans.

DeBusschere was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1962 and spent his entire playing career with them until 1974. Dave is best remembered as a power forward or small forward who helped lead the Pistons to four NBA championships during his time with them (1972–1975, 1978).

In 2003, DeBusschere died of heart failure at the age of 62 after suffering from health problems for many years prior to that point including a stroke in 1999 which left him partially paralyzed from the waist down. DeBusschere was a versatile player who excelled both on the court and in the locker room.

He is one of only two players to win an NBA championship with two different teams, and he holds numerous other records. DeBusschere is also known for his strong leadership skills, which helped him become one of the most successful coaches in basketball history.

Also Played For: nba playoffs best player, slam magazine

22. Phil Jackson

Power forward

Career

• 11× NBA champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998, 2000–2002, 2009, 2010)
• 4× NBA All-Star Game head coach (1992, 1996, 2000, 2009)
• NBA Coach of the Year (1996)
• Top 10 Coaches in NBA History
• Top 15 Coaches in NBA History
• CBA champion (1984)
• CBA Coach of the Year (1985)

Phil Jackson was a power forward for the New York Knicks from 1967 to 1980. He won five NBA championships as a player and is currently the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

In addition, he has been inducted into both the Basketball Hall of Fame (in 2009) and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (in 2010). Jackson also served as president of basketball operations for both the Chicago Bulls and Lakers during his coaching career.

His influence on modern day players is evident with several current stars having played under him at some point in their careers - including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwyane Wade. Jackson was an NBA champion player and head coach with the Chicago Bulls.

Jackson is credited with developing the Triangle Offense, which helped turn around struggling teams in his tenure as a coach. His coaching career saw mixed success overall, but he is most well-known for leading the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships in a nine-year span from 1999 to 2004.

23. Kurt Thomas

Power forward

Career

• Third-team All-American – AP, NABC, UPI (1995)
• NCAA season scoring leader (1995)
• NCAA season rebounding leader (1995)
• SWC Player of the Year (1995)
• SWC Defensive Player of the Year (1995)
• First-team All-SWC (1995)
• No. 40 Jersey retired by TCU Horned Frogs

Kurt Thomas was drafted 10th overall by the Miami Heat in the 1995 NBA Draft. He played for the Miami Heat from 1995 to 1998. In 1999, he signed with the Dallas Mavericks and played there until 2003.

He then signed with the Utah Jazz and played for them until 2007 when he retired due to injuries. Thomas has since been a commentator on various basketball broadcasts including TNT's Inside The NBA show where he currently works as an analyst alongside Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith among others.

Kurt Thomas was a prolific scorer in his collegiate career, scoring over 8,000 points while at TCU Horned Frogs. After going undrafted in the 1995 NBA draft, Thomas signed with the New York Knicks and became an important part of their rotation for three seasons. 

In 2001, he joined the Phoenix Suns and helped them reach the 2001 Western Conference Finals before being traded to Seattle SuperSonics later that year.

He spent two seasons with the Sonics before joining San Antonio Spurs in 2003 where he remained until 2009 when he was traded to Milwaukee Bucks. 

In 2010 he signed with Chicago Bulls but after just one season moved on to Portland Trail Blazers where he retired after playing just 41 games due to injury in 2013-14 season which ended his illustrious career at 38 years old having played 983 professional games averaging 18ppg and 10rpg.

24. Tom Thibodeau

Career

• 2× NBA Coach of the Year (2011, 2021)
• NBA All-Star Game head coach (2012)

Tom Thibodeau is the current head coach of the Chicago Bulls. He has been coaching for over 25 years and has had a successful career in both college basketball and the NBA.

His teams have always competed hard, even when they were not at their best, and he has developed many stars during his time as a coach. Tom Thibodeau is respected by players and coaches alike for his intense work ethic and ability to develop players into championship-level talent.

Tom Thibodeau is a basketball coach with extensive coaching experience, most notably as an assistant for the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves. He has twice been awarded NBA Coach of the Year honors, in 2011 and 2021. Tom Thibodeau is known for his intense coaching style, which often leads to strong team performances.

25. Wayne Ellington

Shooting guard

Career

• NCAA champion (2009)
• NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2009)
• Second-team All-ACC (2008)
• No. 22 honored by North Carolina Tar Heels
• First-team Parade All-American (2006)
• McDonald's All-American (2006)

Ellington was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2009 NBA draft. He played college basketball at North Carolina and was a key player for the Tar Heels during his time there.

Ellington has had a successful career in the NBA, playing for various teams including the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks. In 2018, he announced his retirement from professional basketball after 14 seasons with several different teams.

Ellington is an all-around scorer who is known for his ability to hit deep shots as well as drive to the basket off of dribbles or passes from teammates. He has been married to Janel Brown since 2016 and they have two children together..

A 6'6" shooting guard, Wayne Ellington played college basketball for North Carolina Tar Heels. After playing one season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he was traded to Memphis Grizzlies in 2012 where he had his best years statistically.

In 2013, Cleveland Cavaliers acquired him and he helped lead them to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance in 2014 before departing for Dallas Mavericks the following year. He then joined the Los Angeles Lakers but struggled there before being traded back to Miami Heat two seasons later where he has remained since 2016.

His most successful season came in 2018 when Miami reached the playoffs as a number eight seed and made it all the way to Eastern Conference Finals; however they were eventually defeated by eventual champions Boston Celtics (although Ellington himself won an individual award). 

Currently, at age 32 and having played over 1000 games during his ten-year career, Wayne is still active and playing regularly for Detroit Pistons.

Also Played For: north carolina basketball

26. Micheal Ray Richardson

Career

• 4× NBA All-Star (1980–1982, 1985)
• 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1980, 1981)
• NBA Comeback Player of the Year (1985)
• 3× NBA steals leader (1980, 1983, 1985)
• NBA assists leader (1980)
• French Basketball Cup champion (1998)
• FIBA European Cup Winners' Cup champion (1990)
• FIBA European Cup Winners' Cup top scorer (1990)
• LNB Pro A champion (1995)
• 2× Italian Cup winner (1989, 1990)
• LBA steals leader (1989)
• 2× LBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1993)
• 5x LBA All-Star Game (1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1994)
• Croatian Cup winner (1992)
• 3× First-team All-Big Sky (1976–1978)

Richardson started his professional career with the New York Knicks in 1978. He was a three-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion in the NBA. Richardson also won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 1984.

After retiring as a player, he went on to coach various teams including the Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks before being fired midway through his second season coaching them both. 

In 2004, Richardson joined TNT as a commentator for their coverage of the NBA playoffs, alongside Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith Richardson was a six-time All-Star and two-time MVP in the NBA.

He is one of just four players to have won an NCAA championship, an Olympic gold medal, and an NBA title. Richardson played for eight teams during his illustrious career - the New York Knicks (1978–1982), Golden State Warriors (1983–1986). 

New Jersey Nets (1986–1987), Albany Patroons (1987–1988), Knorr Bologna (1991–1992), Olympique Antibes (1994–1997) and Cholet Basket (1998).

Micheal Ray Richardson retired from professional basketball in 2000 after playing with C Montana Forlì of Italy's Serie A league.

27. Jalen Brunson

Point guard

Career

• 2× NCAA champion (2016, 2018)
• National college player of the year (2018)
• Consensus first-team All-American (2018)
• Bob Cousy Award (2018)
• Second-team Academic All-American (2018)
• Big East Player of the Year (2018)
• 2× First-team All-Big East (2017, 2018)
• Big East All-Freshman Team (2016)
• Robert V. Geasey Trophy winner (2018)
• McDonald's All-American (2015)
• First-team Parade All-American (2015)
• Illinois Mr. Basketball (2015)
• USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2015)
• FIBA Under-19 World Cup MVP (2015)

Jalen Brunson was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018. He played for the Mavericks from 2018 to 2022 before joining the New York Knicks in 2022. Brunson has averaged 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game during his career date.

Jalen is a great point guard who can distribute the ball efficiently and create shots for teammates. Jalen Brunson was a standout player at Villanova, winning two NCAA championships and being named National College Player of the Year in 2018. He was drafted by Dallas as the 23rd overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.

In his rookie season, Brunson averaged 10 points per game and 4 rebounds per game for the Mavericks. He has also played for Turkey's national team, where he won silver medals at both EuroBasket 2017 and World Cup 2019.

Also Played For: dallas mavericks, western conference

28. Obi Toppin

Power forward

Career

• NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2022)
• National college player of the year (2020)
• Consensus first-team All-American (2020)
• Karl Malone Award (2020)
• Atlantic 10 Player of the Year (2020)
• 2× First-team All-Atlantic 10 (2019, 2020)

Obi Toppin is an American power forward who played collegiately at Melbourne Central Catholic and Ossining. He was drafted by the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft, and made his professional debut with the team in November 2018.

In May 2019, he recorded a triple-double with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists during a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. 

At 23 years old, Toppin is one of youngest players to ever record a triple-double in an NBA game; he was also only third player to achieve this feat since 1985 (after Karl Malone and Shaquille O'Neal).

In July 2020, he won gold medal as part of USA Men's National Team at FIBA World Cup Qualifier tournament in Belgrade, Serbia. He registered 20 points (8 field goals), 11 rebounds (+6), 7 blocks against Croatia， helping USA win 80–72 after trailing 63–60 at halftime.

Obi Toppin is a 2020 NBA draft pick who played college basketball at Dayton.

Obi Toppin won the National College Player of the Year award in 2020 and was also named to the First-team All-American squad that year. Obi Toppin has appeared in two Atlantic 10 championships with Dayton and won both titles in 2019 and 2020. 

In addition, he has been selected to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest twice – winning it on his first attempt back in 2022. Overall, Obi Toppin looks set for a successful professional career, with plenty of accolades already under his belt from collegiate play alone.

Also Played For: nba summer league, dayton flyers men's basketball

29. Evan Fournier

Small forward

Career

• 2× LNB Pro A Best Young Player (2011, 2012)
• 2× LNB Pro A Most Improved Player (2011, 2012)
• LNB All-Star (2012)

Evan Fournier was born in 1992 and is from Saint-Maurice, Val-de-Marne, France. He played high school basketball at INSEP (Paris, France) before being drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2012.

After spending two seasons with the Nuggets, he joined the Orlando Magic as a free agent in 2019. Evan has spent most of his career playing for French teams but has also represented Spain on occasion.

Known for his shooting ability from both guard positions and small forward spots, Fournier is one of the NBA's top players heading into the 2020 season Evan Fournier is a talented shooting guard who has spent his entire career playing for the Orlando Magic.

In his first two seasons with the team, he was named to both the LNB Pro A Best Young Player and Most Improved Team lists, and in 2012 he made it onto the LNB All-Star roster. 

He has represented France at several tournaments, most notably at this year's Summer Olympics where they reached the semi-finals before losing to Spain.

With over 6'6" of height and explosive leaping ability, Evan Fournier is an imposing player on either end of the court; whether driving to the basket or knocking down wide-open shots from long range. 

As one of only a few players still under contract with Orlando through 2021, Evan Fournier will be looking to continue developing as one of basketball's top stars in years to come.

Also Played For: eurobasket, fiba basketball world cup

30. Immanuel Quickley

Point guard

Career

• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2021)
• SEC Player of the Year – Coaches (2020)
• First-team All-SEC (2020)
• McDonald's All-American (2018)

Quickley was born on June 17, 1999 in Havre de Grace, Maryland. He played high school basketball for The John Carroll School before enrolling at Kentucky in 2018.

Quickley made an immediate impact with the Wildcats, averaging 14.5 points and 5 assists per game as a freshman while helping them make it to the NCAA tournament as a No.

8 seed. As a sophomore, Quickley averaged 16 points and 6 assists per contest – leading Kentucky to their first Final Four appearance since 1998 – but fell short against Oregon in the national championship game (77-73).

In his final season at UK, Quickley led the team with 18 points and 7 rebounds per game en route to another NCAA tournament appearance where they were once again eliminated by Oregon (88-86). After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA draft, Quickley joined OKC's Summer League roster where he averaged 13 points and 4 assists over three games.

On October 15th of that year, he made his professional debut for Oklahoma City against Memphis scoring 11 points off the bench on 3-of-8 shooting from behind the arc during 27 minutes of play.

Over seventeen seasons playing professionally around Europe including stints in Spain (Bilbao Basket), Italy (Sindaco Telesina Torino), France (Lyon SGI) and Germany’s Bundesliga 2 club THW Kiel, Immanuel never managed to reach 20 minutes or score more than 10 points per game.

However he always seemed dedicated to giving 100% every time he stepped onto court no matter who he was playing against Immanuel Quickley is a professional basketball player for the New York Knicks.

He was born in Greensboro, North Carolina on May 1, 2020 and played high school basketball for Barton College Preparatory School in Xenia, Ohio. In his freshman year at college he averaged 21 points per game and was named first-team All-America by ESPN Sports Magazine. 

He led the NCAA Division I with 3 steals per game during his sophomore season and helped lead the Knicks to their first playoff appearance since 2016 as they were eliminated in six games by the Boston Celtics. 

As a junior he increased his scoring average to 27 points per game while also grabbing 7 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists; however, New York again failed to make it past the second round of the playoffs this time being defeated 4–1 by Cleveland Cavaliers who went on to win that year’s NBA Championship (2018).

His senior season saw him improve even more statistically averaging 31 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists over 37 games - leading all players in triple-doubles - but once again could not help.

Manhattan reach postseason play losing 2–0 against Albany Great Danes in the conference semifinals despite holding a two-point lead with less than three minutes remaining en route to what would have been their third straight Final Four appearance (2020).

31. Ryan Arcidiacono

Point guard

Career

• NCAA champion (2016)
• NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (2016)
• Big East co-Player of the Year (2015)
• First-team All-Big East (2015)
• 2× Second-team All-Big East (2014, 2016)
• Big East All-Rookie Team (2013)
• No. 15 jersey retired by Villanova Wildcats

Arcidiacono is a native of Philadelphia and attended Neshaminy High School. He played college basketball for Villanova, where he was named First-Team All Big East in 2016.

Arcidiacono was undrafted but landed with the Chicago Bulls as an undrafted free agent in 2016. In his first season with the Bulls, Arcidiacono averaged 5 points and 2 rebounds per game while shooting 42% from three point range.

The following year, Arcidiacono improved his averages to 10 points and 3 assists per game while shooting 43% from three point range on 4th place team in Eastern Conference standings (Bulls lost series against eventual champion Cleveland Cavaliers).

The Knicks acquired him during the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline along with Jerian Grant and Tim Hardaway Jr., giving them a solid backup PG behind Kyrie Irving and Kristaps Porzingis respectively. 

Arcidiacono is a gifted point guard who helped lead the Austin Spurs to an NBA Development League championship in 2016.

He played collegiately at Villanova, where he was a two-time Second-team All-American and won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2013. Arcidiacono has spent most of his career with the Chicago Bulls, but he will join the New York Knicks for the 2021–2022 season. 

He is known for his toughness on both ends of the court and is one of few players in NBA history to record over 1,000 points, 500 assists and 50 blocks during his career.

Arcidiacono retired from basketball after leading Villanova to their first NCAA Championship since 1985 this past season.

32. Mitchell Robinson

Center

Career

• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2019)
• McDonald′s All-American (2017)

Mitchell Robinson is a 24-year-old center for the New York Knicks. He was born in Pensacola, Florida and raised in Chalmette, Louisiana. Robinson first gained national attention at the 2017 NBA Draft where he was selected with the 23rd overall pick by the Knicks.

At 6'11", 235 pounds, he has drawn comparisons to former Knick Kristaps Porzingis due to his imposing size and explosiveness down low.

In his rookie season (2018), Robinson averaged 5 points, 7 rebounds and 1 block per game while shooting 61% from the field and 33% from three-point range across 27 appearances off of the bench for New York.

With Michael Beasley departing via free agency this offseason, there is an opportunity for Robinson to cement himself as a starter alongside Enes Kanter on what looks like an aging roster in 2019/20. 

Mitchell Robinson's story is one of both immense potential and inspiring perseverance - after being diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome as a high schooler which threatened his life, he worked tirelessly through rehab to make it back onto the court and improve his game even more than before.

Now despite being one of professional basketball's most undersized players, he continues to strive towards success both on and off the court Mitchell Robinson is a versatile forward who was selected 36th overall in the 2018 NBA draft.

Robinson played college basketball at the University of Connecticut and averaged 18 points, 11 rebounds and 1 block per game as a freshman. 

He then transferred to Western Kentucky where he improved his stats even more, averaging 21 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game over two seasons with the Hilltoppers. 

In 2019, Robinson was named an All-Rookie Second Team member by both the NBA and McDonald's after averaging 14 points, 6 rebounds and 1 block in 82 games for New York Knicks during the regular season. 

Mitchell has expressed interest in playing overseas if he does not sign with an NBA team this summer; however, it remains unclear whether or not he will be able to secure a contract abroad due to his previous suspension from FIBA competition stemming from issues off court last year.

33. Quentin Grimes

Shooting guard

Career

• Third-team All-American – AP, USBWA, NABC, SN (2021)
• AAC co-Player of the Year (2021)
• First-team All-AAC (2021)
• AAC tournament MVP (2021)
• McDonald's All-American (2018)
• Jordan Brand Classic (2018)
• Nike Hoop Summit (2018)
• Texas Mr. Basketball (2018)
• FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship MVP (2018)

Quentin Grimes was a standout high school player in Texas and was highly recruited by college basketball programs. He ultimately chose to play for the Kansas Jayhawks, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2018–19.

In his sophomore season with the Jayhawks, Quentin led Kansas to their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2013. However, they were unable to advance past the first round of competition. After two successful seasons at KU, Quentin entered the 2019 NBA draft but was selected by the New York Knicks with pick 25th overall.

He is now looking forward to joining one of the most historic franchises in basketball history. Quentin Grimes is a young, talented player who has been playing basketball for many years.

 Quentin Grimes was born on September 8, 2000 in the state of Oklahoma. Quentin Grimes attended the University of Texas where he played for the Longhorns men's basketball team.

In 2018, Quentin Grimes was named McDonald's All-American and Jordan Brand Classic MVP and participated in Nike Hoop Summit that same year as well. 

During his freshman season at UT, Quentin averaged 16 points per game while shooting 45 percent from 3-point range and 85 percent from the free throw line which earned him second-team All-Big 12 honors by both coaches and media members throughout America after averaging 11 points per contest during conference play (2017–18).

As a sophomore (2018–19), Quentin led Texas to their first ever appearance in an NCAA Tournament - advancing all the way to Round 2 before falling to eventual champions Villanova 78–73; scoring 22 points with eight rebounds off bench en route to winning Big 12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player award as well as unanimous. 

First Team All-Conference accolades from league’s head coaches & media members after averaging 17 PPG & 7 RPG w/ 43% FG%, 79% FT pts., 1 STL over final 18 games including postseason tournaments.

becoming only 4th player in program history – joining Tariq Abdul Aziz (2003), DeShone Kizer (2016)& Jarrett Allen (2017) - to earn multiple accolades during their career.

Also Played For: houston cougars basketball, university of houston basketball

34. Jericho Sims

Career

• NIT champion (2019)

Jericho Sims attended Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sims played college basketball for the New York Knicks and averaged 6 points and 4 rebounds per game as a junior before being drafted by the team in 2018.

Sims has represented America at various youth levels including the U19 FIBA World Cup where he helped Team USA to a bronze medal finish, and also participated at the 2017 Nike Hoop Summit with fellow NBA prospects Trae Young and Lonzo Ball.

In November 2018, it was announced that Sims had signed a three-year deal with German club Brose Bamberg after playing sparingly for New York during their season in the NBA playoffs (he only appeared in two playoff games). 

As an international player, Jericho is not subject to any NCAA rules which could affect his draft eligibility or potential professional career path should he decide to leave school early .

Jericho Sims was selected by the New York Knicks in the 2021 NBA draft. He is a versatile player who can play both guard positions. 

In his two seasons at Texas, Sims averaged 14 points and six assists per game. Sims has won several awards during his career, including an NIT champion with Westchester in 2019.

Also Played For: texas longhorns men's basketball, university of texas best basketball players

35. Miles McBride

Career

• Second-team All-Big 12 (2021)
• Big 12 All-Freshman Team (2020)

Miles McBride is a highly touted prospect who was drafted by the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2020 NBA draft. Miles McBride attended Moeller High School and helped lead his team to back-to-back state championships as a senior.

As a freshman at West Virginia, Miles played sparingly but still managed to averaging 4 points per game while shooting 34% from three point range. 

In his sophomore season, Miles emerged as one of the best players on West Virginia's roster and averaged 20 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals per game en route to being named First Team All Big 12 honoree for the 2019–2021 season.

At 22 years old, Miles has already developed into an elite level point guard in the NBA with consistent performances both offensively (20 PPG) and defensively (8 RPG). Miles McBride was selected 36th overall in the 2021 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

Miles has played for three teams during his career so far, including New York Knicks, Westchester Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder. He is a versatile player who can play multiple positions on the court and contributes offensively and defensively.

Miles has been a consistent performer throughout his career, winning accolades such as Second-team All-Big 12 (2021) and Big 12 All-Freshman Team (2020).

Also Played For: west virginia basketball

36. Trevor Keels

Career

• ACC All-Rookie Team (2022)
• McDonald's All-American (2021)
• Jordan Brand Classic (2021)
• Nike Hoop Summit (2021)

Trevor Keels is a 19-year old shooting guard for the New York Knicks in the NBA. He attended Paul VI Catholic High School in Clinton, Maryland and played for the varsity basketball team there from 2011 to 2015.

In 2021–2022, he played college basketball at Duke where he was named First Team All-ACC as a sophomore and Second Team All-America as a junior. Keels was drafted by the Knicks with the 39th overall pick of the 2020 NBA draft and made his professional debut on November 6, 2020 against Philadelphia 76ers.

Trevor Keels was selected by the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2022 NBA draft. Trevor Keels has spent his entire career with the Knicks, playing for Westchester from 2018-present. 

Trevor Keels is a versatile player who can play both point guard and shooting guard positions. He has appeared in over 100 games in his four-year career, averaging 8 points and 3 rebounds per game.

Trevor Keels is regarded as one of the top guards prospect in the league, and may have potential to become an All-Star player down the line.

37. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk

Career

• Second-team All-Big 12 (2018)

Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk was born on June 10, 1997 in Cherkasy, Ukraine. He played college ball at Kansas where he averaged 16.5 points and 5 rebounds per game as a senior in 2018.

In the 2018 NBA draft, Mykhailiuk was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 47th overall pick. In his rookie season with the Lakers (2018-19), Sviatoslav averaged 2 points and 1 rebound per game while shooting 34% from 3 point range.

Sviatoslav as he is averaging 13 points and 4 rebounds per game while shooting 43% from 3 point range. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk is a 6'8" shooting guard from Ukraine who played collegiately at Kansas. He was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.

In his rookie season, he averaged 5 points and 2 rebounds per game while playing limited minutes off the bench for the Knicks. After two seasons with New York, he signed with the Detroit Pistons as a free agent in 2019. 

In his first year with Detroit, Sviatoslav increased his point totals to 14 points and 4 assists per game while starting all 82 games for them; however they were eliminated in the first round of playoffs against Milwaukee Bucks 3-1 despite Sviatoslav averaging 21 points on 47% shooting from three-point range during their series against each other (11/22–12/6).

Following Detroit's elimination from playoff contention, Sviatoslov agreed to sign with Oklahoma City Thunder on a one-year deal worth $2 million dollars before becoming an unrestricted free agent again following next season.

38. Isaiah Hartenstein

Forward-center

Career

• NBA G League champion (2019)
• NBA G League Finals MVP (2019)
• All-NBA G League First Team (2019)
• Lithuanian League champion (2017)
• King Mindaugas Cup winner (2017)

Isaiah Hartenstein was born on May 5, 1998 in Eugene, Oregon. He is a German-American center playing in the NBA for the New York Knicks. Isaiah has an outside shot and good touch around the rim which makes him difficult to defend one-on-one.

His size (7'0", 2:13 m) and strength (250 lb., 113 kg) make him very tough to beat down low in the paint. Isaiah started his career with Artland Dragons before moving to Houston Rockets where he currently plays for them as a starting center fielder during their 2017–2018 season .

Isaiah Hartenstein was born and raised in Germany. He played college basketball for the Michigan State Spartans before being drafted by the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft. In his rookie season, he averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds per game with the Erie BayHawks of the G League.

The Knicks promoted him to their main roster in 2018 and he started playing significant minutes as a reserve forward on their playoff-bound team. In 2019, Hartenstein was named MVP of the NBA G League Finals after leading his team to victory over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in six games.

39. Cam Reddish

Small forward

Career

• Haverford School
• (Haverford, Pennsylvania)
• Westtown School
• (West Chester, Pennsylvania)

Cam Reddish is a small forward who was drafted by the New York Knicks in the 2019 NBA Draft. Reddish played college basketball at Duke and helped lead them to their first National Championship since 1992.

He has been praised for his explosive scoring ability, both off the dribble and from beyond the arc, which should make him an effective player in the NBA. 

Reddish is expected to join the Knicks' roster as early as next season; look for him to contribute immediately on offense while also developing into a leader on that team over time.

Cam Reddish was selected 10th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. Reddish played college basketball at Duke, where he won two NCAA Championships and was a First-Team All American as a junior in 2018. 

Reddish is known for his explosiveness off the dribble and his all around play on both ends of the floor. He should make an impact with the Atlanta Hawks from Day 1.

Cam Reddish has already shown that he can compete against some of the best players in this year's draft class, so don't be surprised if he makes an immediate impact with whichever team selects him next season.

40. John Starks

Career

• NBA All-Star (1994)
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1993)
• NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1997)
• CBA All-Star (1990)

John Starks was a shooting guard who played in the NBA for 14 seasons. He started his career with the Golden State Warriors, before playing for the Cedar Rapids Silver Bullets and Oklahoma State Cowboys.

In 2002, he retired from professional basketball following a stint with the Portland Trail Blazers. After retiring, John became an assistant coach at Stanford University and then Butler University before joining the Brooklyn Nets as an assistant coach in 2016.

He is married to actress Jada Pinkett Smith and they have two children together: Willow Rose (born 2006) and Jaden Ray (born 2009). 

John Starks was a versatile and productive player in the NBA for over two decades. He started out as a power forward but later transitioned to small forward and center.

Starks was an All-Star for six seasons and won two Sixth Man of the Year Awards. He is perhaps best known for his time with the New York Knicks, where he teamed up with Carmelo Anthony to form one of the most potent backcourts in league history. 

After leaving New York in 2000, Starks played briefly with the Chicago Bulls before retiring from basketball at age 38 due to injury concerns.

Also Played For: oklahoma state university, nba undrafted

41. Latrell Sprewell

Career

• 4× NBA All-Star (1994, 1995, 1997, 2001)
• All-NBA First Team (1994)
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1994)
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1993)
• Second-team All-SEC (1992)
• SEC All-Defensive Team (1992)

Latrell Sprewell was one of the most dominant shooting guards in NBA history. He is sixth all-time in scoring with 27,664 points and third all-time in three point field goals made with 2,291.

After a stellar high school career at Washington (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), Latrell went on to play for Alabama before being drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the 1992 NBA draft. 

In his 12 seasons as a pro, Latrell won four titles with Golden State and also played for the Utah Jazz, New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks before retiring from professional basketball in 2005.

Nowadays, Latrell resides back home in Milwaukee where he works as an analyst for Fox Sports 1's coverage of the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament Latrell Sprewell was one of the most explosive players in NBA history. 

He averaged over 20 points per game throughout his career and helped lead several teams to playoff appearances. Sprewell had a number of run-ins with authority figures in the league, including David Stern, which resulted in him being suspended multiple times.

Despite these issues, he is still fondly remembered by many for his stellar play on the court and unique personality off it. After hanging up his sneakers, Sprewell went onto have a successful broadcasting career with Turner Sports and ESPN.

Also Played For: 2003–04 nba season

42. Ray Williams

Career

• San Jacinto (1973–1975)
• Minnesota (1975–1977)

Ray Williams was an American basketball player who played for the New York Knicks in the NBA. He attended high school at Mount Vernon and college at San Jacinto before being drafted by the Knicks in 1977.

Williams made an immediate impact, averaging 18 points per game as a rookie and helping New York to their first playoff appearance since 1973. His scoring average dropped over time but he remained a valuable member of the team, notably winning two championship rings with them in 1994 and 1999.

After retiring from playing professionally Ray settled down in Manhattan Beach, California where he pursued a career in broadcasting and coaching youth basketball teams Williams was a standout point guard in the NBA for 13 seasons, playing for the New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Kansas City Kings and Boston Celtics.

He averaged 15.5 points per game and 5.8 assists throughout his career. Williams is best known for scoring 20 points in an overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons in 1987, which remains one of the most memorable moments of his career. 

After retiring from professional basketball, Williams worked as a commentator on ESPN's coverage of college basketball games until 2015 when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away just weeks later at age 60.

43. Allan Houston

Career

• 2× NBA All-Star (2000, 2001)
• Third-team All-American – AP, UPI (1993)
• Third-team All-American – NABC (1992)
• 3× First-team All-SEC (1990–1993)
• SEC All-Freshman Team (1990)
• SEC tournament MVP (1991)
• No. 20 retired by Tennessee Volunteers
• McDonald's All-American (1989)
• First-team Parade All-American (1989)
• Kentucky Mr. Basketball (1989)

Allan Houston started his playing career with the Detroit Pistons, where he played for six seasons. In 2003, Houston was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers and spent two more years with them before being waived in 2005.

After a brief stint with the Philadelphia 76ers, Houston joined the New York Knicks as their general manager in 2007. He remained in that position until 2009 when he was fired after leading the team to its worst record ever (20-62).

Since leaving basketball behind, Allan has devoted himself to business ventures including working as an executive for Adidas and starting his own company called Playground Global Ventures which invests in sports businesses around the world.

Despite some setbacks along the way (the Knicks' 2012 bankruptcy), Allan remains confident about what he can do if given another shot at managing a professional basketball team . Allan Houston was a two-time All-Star and three-time First Team All-SEC player for the Tennessee Volunteers.

He was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1993 and played there until 2005, averaging over 17 points per game in his career. After leaving the NBA, he went on to play for the New York Knicks before retiring in 2006. 

Allan Houston is now an analyst with ESPN where he contributes to various shows including SportsCenter and Outside The Lines.

44. Richie Guerin

Career

• 6× NBA All-Star (1958–1963)
• 3× All-NBA Second Team (1959, 1960, 1962)

Guerin was a guard who played in the NBA for 19 seasons. He is best known for his time with the New York Knicks, where he won three championships. Guerin was also a key member of the U.S.

The national team during its early years in international competition, including at the 1956 Olympics and the 1960 FIBA World Cup. 

In recognition of his contributions to basketball, Guerin has been inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the USA Basketball Hall of Fame Guerin was a key player on the St.

Louis Hawks teams that made it to the NBA Finals in each of his three seasons as a player. He then went on to be one of the coaches for both the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks, leading them to playoff berths in all but one season during his tenure. 

Guerin has been credited with helping turn around two franchises during his time as coach, earning him numerous accolades along the way including Coach of the Year honors in 1968 and 1970.

45. Marvin Webster

Career

• 3× MEAC Player of the Year (1973–1975)

Marvin Webster was a standout center for Morgan State University. He was selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1975 NBA draft and spent ten seasons with the team before moving on to other teams.

Marvin Webster is best known for his role with the Detroit Pistons, where he won three consecutive championships from 1989 to 1991. 

After leaving basketball, Marvin Webster worked as an TV commentator and ambassador for children's charities until his death in 2009 at age 56 Marvin Webster was a dominant force in college basketball and the ABA.

He earned three MEAC Player of the Year awards during his time at Howard University, and was named to several All-Star teams along with being a first-team All-NBA selection once. 

After playing nine seasons in the NBA, Webster retired as one of the top rebounders ever and is now enshrined in both the College Basketball Hall of Fame and Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

46. Trent Tucker

Career

• NBA champion (1993)
• No. 32 retired by Minnesota Golden Gophers

Trent Tucker was born in Tarboro, North Carolina on December 20, 1959. He attended high school at Flint Northwestern and played college basketball for Minnesota from 1978 to 1982.

In the NBA draft of 1982, Trent was selected by the New York Knicks with pick number 6th overall and he played for them until 1993. His best performance came during the 1984–1985 season when he averaged 18 points per game while shooting over 50% from both field goal and three point range.

After his playing career ended, Trent became a coach with several teams such as Charlotte Hornets (2004-2005), Miami Heat (2006-2007) and Milwaukee Bucks (2010). Currently, Trent is an assistant coach with Oklahoma City Thunder under head coach Billy Donovan where they reached the 2016 NBA Finals.

Trent Tucker played for the New York Knicks from 1982-1991. He was a key player on their championship team in 1993. Trent Tucker is best known for his rebounding and assists numbers, which are both among the best in NBA history. 

After playing 11 seasons with three different teams, Tucker retired in 2003 at the age of 38 due to injuries sustained during play.

47. DaQuan Jeffries

Career

• Oral Roberts (2015–2016)
• Western Texas (2016–2017)
• Tulsa (2017–2019)

DaQuan Jeffries is a shooting guard / small forward who was drafted by the New York Knicks in the 2019 NBA draft. He played college basketball at Oral Roberts and Tulsa.

DaQuan Jeffries has yet to play in an NBA game, but he is expected to join the team for their preseason games this year. DaQuan Jeffries played collegiately at College Park, where he averaged 16.5 points and 6 rebounds per game in his senior year.

After college, Jefferies was drafted by the Knicks in the second round of the 2019 NBA draft. He has since been playing for their G-League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks. 

DaQuan is a versatile player who can play both forward positions well; his skills on defense have drawn praise from many observers thus far in his career with New York.

In 22 games this season for the Knicks' G-League team (including playoffs), Jeffrey has averaged 14 points and 7 boards per contest - showing that he's ready to take on a larger role with one of basketball's biggest teams next season.

48. Gerald Wilkins

Career

• Moberly Area CC (1981–1982)
• Chattanooga (1982–1985)

Gerald Wilkins was born on September 11, 1963 in Atlanta, Georgia. He played for the New York Knicks from 1985 to 1999 and won an NBA championship with them in 1994.

Gerald Wilkins is a two-time All-Star and three-time champion, having also been named the Player of the Year in 1995. In 1998 he was part of the United States team that finished fifth at the World Basketball Championships.

Gerald Wilkins has had a successful coaching career, being appointed head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011 after spending four years as assistant coach with Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers respectively).

He retired from playing professional basketball in 1999 but continues to work as a commentator for NBA games and other sports events on television or radio networks around the world Gerald Wilkins was a 7-foot center who played 19 seasons in the NBA.

He was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1985 and played for them until 1992. He then moved to Cleveland where he spent two more seasons before joining the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1996. Gerald Wilkins retired from professional basketball after playing one season with Orlando Magic in 1999-2000.

His career totals include 16,562 points (18 ppg), 8,811 rebounds (10 rpg) and 2,693 assists (2 apg). Gerald Wilkins is currently a color commentator for TNT's coverage of the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship tournament as well as an analyst on their NBA studio shows.

In 2001, Gerald Wilkins was inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame and College Basketball Hall of Fame.

49. Derek Harper

Career

• 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1987, 1990)
• No. 12 retired by Dallas Mavericks
• Second-team All-American – AP (1983)
• First-team Parade All-American (1980)

Derek Harper is one of the most decorated point guards in NBA history. He was a four-time All-Star and won two Championships with the Dallas Mavericks. Derek Harper played collegiately at Illinois where he averaged 17 points, six assists, and three rebounds per game during his career.

Derek Harper was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 1983 and played for them until 1999 when he retired from professional basketball. 

Derek Harper is considered to be one of the best point guard players ever to play in the NBA and has been inducted into both the Basketball Hall of Fame (2002) as well as The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2004).

After retiring from playing professionally, Derek Harper became an assistant coach with various teams including stints with Indiana Pacers (2007–2010), Memphis Grizzlies (2011–2014), Philadelphia 76ers (2015), and Charlotte Hornets (2016). 

Derek Harper was a two-time All-Defensive Second Team selection and a first-team Parade All-American. 

Harper spent his entire 15-year NBA career with the New York Knicks, where he won an NBA Championship in 1994. He also played for Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic before retiring in 1999.

Also Played For: illinois fighting illini men's basketball

50. Ray Felix

Career

• NBA All-Star (1954)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1954)

Ray Felix was one of the most successful NBA players of all time. He played for the Baltimore Bullets from 1953 to 1962 and was named an All-Star in each season he played.

Ray Felix had a very strong center physique and could score with both his feet and his hands around the basket. His career was cut short by a motorcycle accident in 1991, but he is still remembered as one of the greatest centers to ever play in the NBA.

Ray Felix is one of the best point guards in NBA history. He was a three-time All-Star and won two championships with the Knicks in 1960 and 1962. Felix led the NBA in assists twice, as well as steals and free throws made. 

His career averages of 10.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists and 1.3 steals make him an all-around superstar at his position on both sides of the ball.

Felix's story is full of overcoming adversity; he lost his father when he was just a young boy and had to work hard to become successful in life himself. Despite this tough start, Ray Felix became one of basketball's greats.

Final Words

. . The New York Knights are a dynamic semi-professional rugby league team based in the heart of New York City. The club has had some great players over the years and here is a small selection of their best: .

1) Justin Hodges – A consistent performer for the Knights, Justin Hodges was one of the first international stars to come out of New York Rugby League. He played for Australia at World Cups and represented his country in both Test matches and tournaments.

2) Benji Marshall – Another big name from New York Rugby League, Benji Marshall made an instant impact when he joined the Knights in 2001. Playing alongside Hodges, Marshall went on to have a successful career with Super League side Wigan Warriors before retiring in 2015 after 18 seasons playing professional football.