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

3. Willis Reed (C) – No. 8 pick in 1964 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Knicks):  650 GP, 18.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.6 STL, 1.1 BLK, 47.6 FG%, 74.7 FT%

The New York Knicks’ captain during the two NBA championship runs was Grambling State alum Willis Reed. The seven-time NBA All-Star played his entire 12-year career for the Knicks, even serving as head coach in 1977. Reed’s amazing poise and leadership as a young player helped him to win the 1965 Rookie of the Year award, setting the stage for bigger moments to come as a member of the Knicks.

The spring of 1970 will always be a cherished time for Knicks fans as the team, led by Willis’ heroics playing injured in Game 7 of the NBA Finals ,defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in front of a sold out Madison Square Garden crowd.

It continues to be labeled as one of the most iconic moments in sports as fans watched in joy as a hobbled Reed emerge from the locker room moments before the game started.

Adding the championship in 1973 helped to cement Reed’s legacy and earned his rightful spot in the banners among the franchise’s best. In an interview with the NY Daily News back in 2010, Reed discussed the difference between the two championships in fans minds.

"“I thought when we won in ’70, I was hoping we could win again, Then we got lucky enough to win again in ’73, which nobody remembers. Most Knick fans probably don’t remember that the Knicks won in ’73.”"

It must feel pretty good to have your second championship victory overshadowed by your first title run.