New York Knicks: 5 most notable general managers in franchise history

GREENSBURGH, NY - JULY 08: New York Knicks General Manager Steve Mills during a press conference introducing the Knicks new free agent signings at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility on July 8, 2016 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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UNITED STATES – JUNE 18: Patrick Ewing towers over Knicks VP Dave DeBusschere as he tries on New York Knicks jersey for size. (Photo by Willie Anderson/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) /

5. Dave DeBusschere

We start our list with a man who entered the position with a similar player resume as his former teammate and Knicks team president Phil Jackson. Dave DeBusschere earned the respect of many Knicks fans for being on the forefront of the only two championships in team history. His growth into becoming the team general manager was welcomed with the same optimism in the 1980s.

DeBusschere held the role from May 20, 1982 to Jan. 3, 1986, providing a few transactions that helped to shape the franchise’s future. He pulled the trigger in the fall of 1982 by trading troubled All-Star Micheal Ray Richardson to the Golden State Warriors for Bernard King.

King would go on to put up amazing scoring seasons for the Knicks, including back-to-back 50-point games in 1984. The future Hall of Famer was the face of the franchise before his career threatening knee injury in 1985, leading to the infamous 1985 NBA Draft Lottery.

DeBusschere will always be remembered for his facial expressions as the Knicks won the first ever NBA Draft Lottery, earning the right to select college basketball All-American Patrick Ewing with the first pick.

Ewing would go on to be the franchise leader in most statistical categories over his 15 years as the Knicks’ center. It’s safe to say DeBusschere’s career as a player and executive were successful as he gave New York winning seasons, if not that coveted third championship.

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