$Top 5 Centers in New York Knicks\' History$

Top 5 Centers in New York Knicks' History

By Walton Yeboah-Amoako

Top 5 Centers In New York Knicks' History

Top 5 Centers In New York Knicks History — Currently, the New York Knicks are weak at the center position. However, throughout their history, the Knicks franchise has been blessed with some of the top centers in the league during their individual reigns. Four formidable Knicks' centers are entrenched in the minds of most Knicks fans, but can you name a fifth?

5. Marcus Camby

Marcus Camby Top 5 Centers In New York Knicks History

5. Marcus Camby

Marcus Camby Top 5 Centers In New York Knicks History — In his five seasons with the New York Knicks, Marcus Camby was known as a stout rim-protector and an intense player. The highlight of his tenure with the team came in 1999, when the Knicks made it to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, the Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs, four games to one. However, Camby will best be remembered for the time that he took a swing at Danny Ferry, missed and ended up headbutting his own coach. Now that's intense.

4. Walt Bellamy

Walt Bellamy Top 5 Centers In New York Knicks History

4. Walt Bellamy

Walt Bellamy Top 5 Centers In New York Knicks History — In his four seasons as a New York Knick, Walt Bellamy established himself as a prolific rebounder. Bellamy's rebounding prowess came as no surprise because as a rookie, he averaged 19 RPG, which is third all-time for rookies behind Wilt Chamberlain's 27 and Bill Russell's 19.6. Currently, Bellamy holds the distinction as the franchise leader in rebounds per game for the Knicks with an average of 13.3 RPB.

3. Bob McAdoo

Bob McAdoo Top 5 Centers In New York Knicks History

3. Bob McAdoo

Bob McAdoo Top 5 Centers In New York Knicks History — Before Bob McAdoo joined the New York Knicks, he was already one of the league's most lethal scorers as a Buffalo Braves player. McAdoo led the NBA in scoring for three consecutive seasons (1974-76), and he had a complete inside-out offensive game. In his three seasons with the Knicks, McAdoo continued to display his scoring abilities, but injuries marred his performances. Without McAdoo healthy, the Knicks never had a shot as title contenders.

2. Patrick Ewing

Patrick Ewing Top 5 Centers In New York Knicks History

2. Patrick Ewing

Patrick Ewing Top 5 Centers In New York Knicks History — In the '90s, the New York Knicks were an Eastern Conference powerhouse, and no single player was more central to their success than Knicks center Patrick Ewing. New York was a rough, physical team and they didn't back down to anybody -- not even to the Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately, Ewing never led the Knicks to a championship, but he finished his Knicks career as the franchise all-time leader in total points, rebounds and blocks.

1. Willis Reed

Willis Reed Top 5 Centers In New York Knicks History

1. Willis Reed

Willis Reed Top 5 Centers In New York Knicks History — Does the man even need an introduction? As a New York lifer, Willis Reed cemented his legacy with his courage in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals. Reed was ruled out of the game with a thigh injury, but he shocked the fans when he joined the team for warmups, and he even started in the game. Reed would go on to win two NBA Finals MVP awards and become a legend for the Knicks. Winners always come in first; that's why he's No. 1 on my list.

Walton Yeboah-Amoako is a Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @WaltYeboah, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

Related:

Predicting the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Player Rotations for 2014-15
Predicting the Miami Heat’s Player Rotations for 2014-15
Creating the Miami Heat’s All-Time Starting Lineup

Teams in this article »

New York Knicks

Share On Facebook

Share