The New York Knicks Undisputed All-Time Starting Five No Debate Just Pure Greatness From The Garden Legends Who Shaped Basketball History

The New York Knicks, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, may not have the most championship banners hanging in Madison Square Garden, but their history is rich with iconic players who have defined eras, ignited the passion of one of basketball’s most loyal fanbases, and left an indelible mark on the game. Debates around the Knicks’ all-time starting five often spark heated arguments among fans, but when you cut through the noise and honor greatness without bias, one lineup stands above the rest—undisputed, no debate.

At point guard, we start with Walt “Clyde” Frazier. Known as much for his fashion and flair as for his ferocious defense and slick passing, Frazier is the quintessential Knicks legend. Drafted in 1967, Frazier was the floor general of the Knicks’ only two championship teams (1970 and 1973). With seven All-Star appearances, seven All-Defensive First Team selections, and a knack for coming up big in clutch moments, Frazier isn’t just a New York icon—he’s one of the most complete point guards in league history. His performance in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, where he posted 36 points, 19 assists, and 7 rebounds, remains one of the greatest games ever played in a Finals setting.

Shooting guard belongs to Earl “The Pearl” Monroe. Though some may argue Allan Houston or even John Starks deserves a look, there is simply no match for the charisma, smoothness, and clutch shot-making Monroe brought when he joined the Knicks in 1971. The pairing of Monroe and Frazier—once considered unworkable—became one of the most celebrated backcourts in NBA history. Monroe’s creative scoring ability, mid-range precision, and flair complemented Clyde perfectly. Together, they helped deliver the 1973 championship. Monroe may not have the gaudy individual statistics of others, but his impact on the Knicks and the league is unquestioned.

At small forward, the honor goes to Bernard King, the Brooklyn-born scorer who lit up The Garden with some of the most awe-inspiring offensive performances in NBA history. Despite a career cut short by injuries, King’s prime with the Knicks in the 1980s was nothing short of electric. He became the first Knick to win a scoring title, averaging 32.9 points per game in 1984-85 before a devastating knee injury. His back-to-back 50-point games and legendary playoff duel with Isiah Thomas in 1984 remain etched in the hearts of Knicks fans. Few players have matched King’s scoring finesse, footwork, and ability to carry a team on his back night after night.

The power forward spot is reserved for the beloved Charles Oakley. Though Amare Stoudemire and even Dave DeBusschere get mentions, Oakley’s decade-long tenure as the enforcer and emotional backbone of the Knicks in the 1990s earns him this place. A rebounding machine, Oakley averaged over 10 rebounds per game in six different seasons with New York. But it wasn’t just the stats—it was the grit, toughness, and no-nonsense demeanor that made Oakley a fan favorite and a true embodiment of New York basketball. Opponents feared him, teammates respected him, and fans loved him. He set the tone defensively, threw bone-jarring screens, and never backed down, even from stars like Michael Jordan.

Finally, anchoring the center position is none other than Patrick Ewing, the face of the Knicks franchise for 15 unforgettable seasons. Drafted No. 1 overall in 1985, Ewing lived up to the hype and more. A relentless competitor and consistent force in the paint, Ewing was an 11-time All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and the franchise’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks, and games played. He led the Knicks to the NBA Finals twice—in 1994 and 1999—and though a championship eluded him, his loyalty, effort, and dominance defined an entire era of Knicks basketball. There is no debate—Ewing is the greatest Knick of all time.

Together, these five players form a unit that represents the heart, soul, and history of the Knicks. It’s a team built not just on talent, but on grit, loyalty, and legacy. Frazier runs the offense and clamps down defenders, Monroe dazzles with showmanship and shot creation, King is the walking bucket who can explode for 40 at any moment, Oakley guards the paint and the pride of New York with tenacity, and Ewing dominates the middle with his patented turnaround jumper and rim protection.

Their games span different decades, but their collective greatness connects generations of Knicks fans who have cheered from the Mecca of Basketball and beyond. These players brought New York its only championships, playoff runs that electrified the city, and moments that are etched into the walls of Madison Square Garden. They each represent a version of New York that never backs down, never gives in, and always plays with pride.

Critics may try to insert other names into the discussion—Latrell Sprewell’s playoff fire, Allan Houston’s silken jumper, Carmelo Anthony’s scoring brilliance, or even the recent emergence of Jalen Brunson as a leader of the current era. But when you weigh impact, consistency, and the ability to elevate a franchise, the lineup of Frazier, Monroe, King, Oakley, and Ewing is beyond reproach.

This all-time five isn’t just about numbers or individual accolades. It’s about identity. These are the players who carried the Knicks’ banner through the highest of highs and the most grueling of playoff battles. They’re not just the best to wear the orange and blue—they are the New York Knicks.

For decades, the Garden has echoed with chants of defense, buzzer-beater roars, and a collective yearning for greatness. These five legends gave that to New York. And while the franchise continues to chase its next banner, the foundation they laid will never be forgotten.

There’s a certain poetry to this lineup—a balance of style and substance, offense and defense, leadership and toughness. In Clyde and Monroe, you have artistry. In King and Ewing, unmatched skill. In Oakley, the soul of a fighter. Together, they make up a starting five that could compete with any historic group from any franchise—and do it with that unmistakable New York swagger.

So let there be no further debate. The New York Knicks’ all-time starting five is etched in history. Walt Frazier. Earl Monroe. Bernard King. Charles Oakley. Patrick Ewing. Undisputed. Unforgettable. Unapologetically Knicks.