New York Knicks: Top 5 greatest one-season wonders in team history

4. Maurice Lucas — 1981–1982 season

Maurice Lucas’ one-year stint with the Knicks defines being a one-season wonder.

Lucas was traded five times over his career, including in a compensation transaction in October of 1981 that sent him to the Knicks from the Nets. By the time of the deal, Lucas was already an accomplished big in the NBA, a four-time All-Star who played an integral role in the Portland Trail Blazers’ 1976–1977 title run.

Lucas played to his strengths in his lone year with the Knicks. He averaged 15.8 points per game on 50.4 percent shooting. He logged 21 games with at least 20 points scored, including a 35-point showing against Bernard King and the Golden State Warriors.

The 6’9” power forward produced on defense as well. He posted 11.3 rebounds per game over the campaign, which ranked fifth in the NBA. In total, Lucas accumulated a fair 3.2 defensive win shares rate, which ranked second on the team.

Lucas’ efforts on both sides of the floor did not go very far for the team as they finished with a 33-49 record and missed the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.

The Knicks elected to trade away Lucas the following offseason to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Truck Robinson. Lucas continued to produce double-doubles over his final six seasons in the NBA while Robinson only lasted three seasons with the Knicks.

Just another questionable trade from the Knicks in their storied franchise history.