Ranking the 75 best players in NBA history for 75th anniversary

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Walt “Clyde” Frazier, New York Knicks. Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images /

Ranking the 75 best players in NBA history: No. 33 – Walt “Clyde” Frazier

On NBA 50 at 50 List

Career: 1967 – 1980

Achievements: Two-time champion; All-NBA (6x); All-Star (7x); All-Defense (7x)

Walt “Clyde” Frazier was one of the league’s earliest personalities, with a broad smile and a game ready to dazzle in New York. He wasn’t quite as gregarious as he is now as a broadcaster, but he has plenty of personality to handle the platform of playing in The Big Apple, and plenty of character to handle the pressures of competing at the highest levels.

Willis Reed got the lion’s share of the credit for the Knicks’ two titles in the 1970s, and he was obviously a key factor in their victories, but it was Frazier who drove their offense to the necessary heights. He averaged 20.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists for his playoff career, and when the Knicks needed a bucket it was Frazier creating it himself, either to score or set up a teammate.

In addition to his offensive impact, Frazier was an all-league defender. He made seven All-Defense teams for his ability to pick up any perimeter player, and if steals were tracked his entire career he would likely be high on those leaderboards as well. Frazier was a dynamic two-way player who was the best player on two titles teams, landing him at No. 33 on the list.