Greatest shot blocker in each NBA team’s history

Best shot blocker in New York Knicks history: Patrick Ewing

Selected No. 1 overall in the 1985 NBA Draft, Patrick Ewing was supposed to be the savior for the New York Knicks. While he didn’t lead them to the ultimate goal, he brought the franchise back to relevance, while also contributing a number of memorable moments to this historic organization.

From the second Ewing stepped onto the Madison Square Garden floor, his actions truly encapsulated what it meant to don the orange and blue, bringing that New York City toughness with 100 percent energy and effort on a nightly basis.

In an age dominated by big men, Ewing could get it done on both ends, as he would usually wind up with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds with a reel of terrific defensive plays.

He had the traditional post-up game of a seven-footer, but he also mixed in a terrific fall-away jumper nobody could guard.

Defensively, Ewing was as good as they come, posing as an intimidating presence near the bucket with his long arms and leaping abilities. Only his last three seasons saw his blocks per game average dip below two, a ridiculous feat and a true testament to his greatness in that department.

Aside from the pressure that comes with playing in The Big Apple, Ewing put so much on his shoulders, understanding the history of the organization and what it would mean to bring a championship to that basketball-crazy city.

He obviously never got it done, coming oh-so-close in 1994, but he’s still beloved by Knicks fans everywhere for his approach to the game. Ewing was the leader of one of the best defenses of all time whose grit and tenacity resonated greatly with the people of New York.