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New York Knicks: 5 most notable No. 11’s in team history

By Ed Easton Jr.

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images /
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(Original Caption) New York, New York: Madison Square Garden. Knicks-Boston Basketball. Johnny Green (11) of Knicks is surrounded by Boston players as he grabs rebound in 2nd quarter. On left is Gene Conley (17) of Boston.
(Original Caption) New York, New York: Madison Square Garden. Knicks-Boston Basketball. Johnny Green (11) of Knicks is surrounded by Boston players as he grabs rebound in 2nd quarter. On left is Gene Conley (17) of Boston. /

3. Johnny Green

Johnny Green was a first round pick in the 1959 NBA Draft by the Knicks, taken fifth overall out of Michigan State. Green improved every season in New York eventually becoming an All-Star in 1962, 1963 and 1965 while leading the team in several statistical categories. In 1962-63, his best season with the team, he posted career-high averages of 18.1 points along with 12.1 rebounds per game.

Green’s athleticism and versatility at the small forward position made him a defensive nightmare for opponents. He was a strong one-on-one player that often isolated his opponents and took advantage of favorable matchups. In the early 1960s, the NBA didn’t have established rules on illegal offensive formations like it does today, so Green made every opportunity to capitalize on mismatches count.

The Knicks were not winners during this time but were quickly building a foundation for future success in the 1970s. Green was already out-of-town by the time future Hall-of-Famers Walt Frazier and Willis Reed would make the team contenders in the league.

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