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New York Knicks: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

By Ed Easton Jr.

Mar 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Charlotte Hornets associate head coach Patrick Ewing against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Charlotte Hornets associate head coach Patrick Ewing against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 29, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson during a press conference prior to the game between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers in game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson during a press conference prior to the game between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers in game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Mark Jackson (PG) – No. 18 pick in 1987 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Knicks):  500 GP, 11.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.4 STL, 0.1 BLK, 2.5 TOV, 45.6 FG%, 31.9 3P%, 74.3 FT%

Mark Jackson is showcased every week as one of the top voices in the NBA for ESPN/ABC, but he’s best known for his tenure with his hometown team.

M-Jax exploded onto the NBA scene with authority in 1987, putting up big numbers alongside Patrick Ewing and eventually earning Rookie of the Year honors. Jackson is the only non-lottery pick to have won the award since the introduction of the system in 1985.

The Brooklyn native excelled early in his career under then head coach Rick Pitino, leading to his only career All-Star selection in 1989. The tide turned for Jackson following Pitino’s exit as he couldn’t jell with eventual Knicks coach Pat Riley, whose style at the time didn’t fit Jackson’s skill set. This led to Jackson being traded and bad blood with the franchise that showed after the former St. John’s star battled against his former team as a member of the Indiana Pacers in the 1990s.

Jackson would return to New York later in his career and is still a favorite among fans whenever he’s at Madison Square Garden calling a game.

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