New York Knicks: The Complete Illustrated History
Playing in the “Basketball Mecca” of Madison Square Garden, the New York Knickerbockers are a team steeped in history. A charter member of the NBA, the Knicks have boasted a long line of legendary players, beginning with early stars like Bud Palmer, “Harry the Horse” Gallatin, Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, and Dick McGuire, and continuing through the championship era under coach Red Holzman with Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Willis Reed, Bill Bradley, and Phil Jackson, among others. Although this seminal hoops franchise has not captured another NBA title since then, there has been no shortage of hardwood heroes in blue and orange. Bernard King kept the Garden rocking during the 1980s, and Rick Pitino brought renewed intensity and excitement when he took over as head coach later that decade. The arrival of Patrick Ewing ushered in a new era of success, and bolstered by such gritty players as Charles Oakley, John Starks, and Anthony Mason, Hall of Fame coach Pat Riley brought New York to championship contention in the ’90s. Jeff Van Gundy picked up where Riley left off, behind a new group of stars led by Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell. As the franchise closes out its seventh decade, Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire look to return the team to glory, and inspired play from the likes of Jeremy “Linsanity” Lin and Iman Shumpert is bringing renewed hope to Knicks fans everywhere.