Swish and Shoot: Exploring the Top Knicks' Sharpshooter of All Time
Discover the all-time best Knicks shooter! From Clyde Frazier to Carmelo Anthony, explore their stats and impact on the team's history.
The New York Knicks have had some of the greatest players in NBA history don their iconic orange and blue uniforms. But when it comes to sharpshooters, there's one name that stands out above all the rest: Allan Houston.
As soon as Houston stepped onto the court for the Knicks, fans knew they were witnessing something special. His shooting form was picture-perfect, his release was lightning-quick, and his accuracy was unmatched. He quickly established himself as a lethal scorer and an indispensable part of the Knicks' offense.
One of the things that set Houston apart from other shooters was his ability to knock down shots from anywhere on the court. Whether he was draining threes from beyond the arc or pulling up for mid-range jumpers, he always seemed to find a way to put the ball in the basket. And when the game was on the line, there was no one the Knicks would rather have taking the final shot.
But Houston's impact on the Knicks went far beyond just his scoring ability. He was also a consummate professional, a team player, and a leader both on and off the court. His work ethic and dedication to his craft were an inspiration to his teammates, and his humble demeanor and gracious attitude made him a fan favorite.
Despite facing numerous injuries throughout his career, Houston continued to perform at a high level for the Knicks. In fact, some of his most memorable performances came in the playoffs, where he consistently rose to the occasion and delivered clutch performances when his team needed them most.
Of course, no discussion of Houston's legacy would be complete without mentioning his iconic shot in the 1999 playoffs. With seconds left on the clock and the Knicks trailing by one, Houston caught a pass from Latrell Sprewell, dribbled once, and launched a three-pointer that found nothing but net. The Madison Square Garden crowd erupted in celebration, and Houston's place in Knicks lore was forever cemented.
Despite eventually retiring from the game due to injuries, Houston remains one of the most beloved players in Knicks history. His skill, leadership, and character set the standard for future generations of players, and his contributions to the team will never be forgotten.
In conclusion, Allan Houston is undoubtedly the best shooter in Knicks history. His combination of accuracy, range, and clutch performance make him a true legend of the game, and his impact on the franchise will be felt for generations to come.
The Knicks and their History of Great Shooters
The New York Knicks have a rich history of talented players - from Willis Reed to Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier to Carmelo Anthony. But in terms of shooting, who stands out as the best of the best? Here are some of the top contenders.
John Starks: The Underdog
John Starks may not have been the most naturally gifted athlete, but he overcame his limitations with hard work and determination. He spent the early part of his career bouncing around different teams before finally landing with the Knicks in 1990. It was in New York that he truly blossomed as a player, earning his reputation as a deadly sharpshooter. In the 1993 playoffs, he famously scored 25 points in the fourth quarter of game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Bulls, leading the Knicks to victory. While Starks never won a championship, he remains a beloved figure in Knicks lore.
Larry Johnson: The Game-Winner
Larry Johnson was already a star when he arrived in New York in 1996, having played for the Charlotte Hornets for several years. But it was with the Knicks that he cemented his place in history. In game 3 of the 1999 Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers, Johnson hit one of the most iconic shots in Knicks history - a four-point play with just seconds left on the clock. Johnson's clutch shooting helped the Knicks advance to the NBA Finals that year, though they ultimately lost to the Spurs. Johnson retired in 2001, but his game-winner lives on in Knicks highlights reels.
Bill Bradley: The All-Around Player
Bill Bradley was a true Renaissance man - he played basketball, served in the U.S. Senate, and ran for president. But before all that, he was a star for the Knicks in the 1960s and 70s. Bradley was known for his versatility on the court - he could shoot from long range, drive to the basket, and play tough defense. He helped lead the Knicks to their first championship in 1970, and was named an All-Star twice. Though his career stats may not be as impressive as those of some other players on this list, Bradley's impact on the game went far beyond the basketball court.
Bernard King: The Scoring Machine
Bernard King was a scoring machine - he averaged 22.5 points per game over his 15-year career, which included stints with the Nets, Warriors, Knicks, Bullets, and Jazz. But it was with the Knicks that he truly shone. In the 1984-85 season, he led the league in scoring with an average of 32.9 points per game - a feat that had not been accomplished since Wilt Chamberlain in the 60s. King's scoring prowess helped the Knicks reach the playoffs that season, though they were ultimately knocked out in the first round by the Pistons. Despite his relatively short time with the team, King remains one of the most beloved players in Knicks history.
Patrick Ewing: The Dominant Center
Patrick Ewing is perhaps best known for his prowess as a center - he was a 7-time All-Star, a 2-time Olympic gold medalist, and was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history. But he was also a talented shooter, particularly from mid-range. Ewing spent the bulk of his career with the Knicks, helping lead them to two NBA Finals appearances in the 90s. He retired in 2002 with career averages of 21 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, and remains one of the most iconic figures in Knicks history.
Carmelo Anthony: The Scorer
Carmelo Anthony may have divided opinion among Knicks fans during his time with the team, but there's no denying his talent as a scorer. Anthony averaged over 25 points per game during his six-and-a-half seasons in New York, making him one of the most prolific scorers in franchise history. He helped lead the Knicks to the playoffs three times, though they never made it past the second round. Anthony was ultimately traded to the Thunder in 2017, but his scoring records with the Knicks still stand.
Conclusion
So who is the best shooter in Knicks history? It's hard to say - each of the players on this list brought something unique to the table. John Starks was a scrappy underdog, Larry Johnson was a clutch performer, Bill Bradley was a true all-around player, Bernard King was a scoring machine, Patrick Ewing was a dominant center, and Carmelo Anthony was a pure scorer. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference - but one thing is clear: the New York Knicks have been blessed with some truly talented shooters over the years.
A Look Back at the Knicks' Shooting StarsWhen it comes to basketball, shooting is one of the most important skills a player can have. It's not just about making shots, but also about creating opportunities for yourself and your teammates. Throughout their history, the New York Knicks have had some of the best shooters in the game. From the early years of Dick McGuire to the current roster led by RJ Barrett, the Knicks have had a long line of players who could light up the scoreboard.Let's take a closer look at some of the most memorable shooters in Knicks history.The Early Years: The Rise of Dick McGuireIn the early days of the NBA, scoring wasn't as high as it is today. But even in those low-scoring games, there were players who stood out for their shooting ability. One of those players was Dick McGuire, who played for the Knicks from 1949 to 1957.McGuire was a master of the mid-range game, with a smooth jump shot that he could hit from just about anywhere on the court. He was also an excellent passer, which made him a threat to score or set up his teammates at any moment.Despite playing in an era when stats weren't as widely tracked as they are now, McGuire's numbers speak for themselves. He averaged 8.2 points per game for his career, with a high of 11.4 in the 1951-52 season.But more than his stats, McGuire was known for his leadership and his work ethic. He was a two-time All-Star and a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, and his legacy as one of the best shooters in Knicks history lives on today.The 1970s Knicks: DeBusschere, Monroe, and BradleyThe Knicks of the 1970s were a force to be reckoned with, thanks in large part to their trio of star shooters: Dave DeBusschere, Earl Monroe, and Bill Bradley.DeBusschere was a power forward who could shoot from the outside or drive to the basket with authority. He was known for his toughness and his ability to come up with big plays when his team needed them most.Monroe, meanwhile, was a master of the one-on-one game. He had a silky-smooth jump shot, but he was just as likely to blow past his defender and finish at the rim.Bradley was a versatile player who could shoot from just about anywhere on the court. He was also an excellent passer, and his ability to move without the ball made him a valuable asset to the Knicks offense.Together, these three players helped lead the Knicks to two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. They were the heart and soul of the team, and their shooting prowess was a big part of their success.The 80s: Bernard King's Scoring DominanceIf you're talking about the best scorers in Knicks history, you can't leave out Bernard King. King played for the Knicks from 1982 to 1987, and during that time he established himself as one of the most dominant offensive players in the game.King's scoring ability was unmatched. He could score from the inside or the outside, and he had a variety of moves that made him nearly impossible to defend. He was also a tenacious rebounder and a solid defender, which made him a complete player on both ends of the court.In the 1984-85 season, King led the NBA in scoring with 32.9 points per game. He was named an All-Star four times during his tenure with the Knicks, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.John Starks' Memorable Playoff PerformancesWhen it comes to clutch shooting, few players in Knicks history can match John Starks. Starks played for the Knicks from 1990 to 1998, and during that time he became known for his big-time performances in the postseason.Starks was an excellent shooter from beyond the arc, but he was also a fearless driver who could finish through contact. He had a quick release and a smooth stroke, which made him a dangerous scorer from anywhere on the court.But it was in the playoffs where Starks really shined. In the 1993 playoffs, he famously dunked on Michael Jordan in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. He also scored 27 points in Game 7 of the same series, although the Knicks ultimately fell to the Chicago Bulls.Starks' best playoff performance came in the 1994 NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets. In Game 2, he scored 27 points and hit six three-pointers, including a memorable shot with just seconds remaining that gave the Knicks a chance to win the game (although they ultimately lost in overtime).Allan Houston's Clutch Shooting in the Late 90sIf you're talking about the best shooters in Knicks history, Allan Houston has to be near the top of the list. Houston played for the Knicks from 1996 to 2005, and he established himself as one of the most reliable shooters in the league.Houston was deadly from beyond the arc, but he was also a solid mid-range shooter and an excellent free-throw shooter. He had a smooth, consistent stroke that made him a threat to score from just about anywhere on the court.But what really set Houston apart was his ability to come through in the clutch. He hit a number of game-winning shots during his tenure with the Knicks, including a memorable buzzer-beater in Game 5 of the 1999 playoffs against the Miami Heat.Houston was a two-time All-Star and a member of the 2000 USA Olympic team. He finished his career with the Knicks as one of the most beloved players in franchise history.Carmelo Anthony's Scoring Records and Playoff RunsWhen the Knicks acquired Carmelo Anthony in 2011, they knew they were getting one of the best scorers in the game. Anthony had already established himself as a dominant offensive player during his time with the Denver Nuggets, and he continued that trend in New York.Anthony was an all-around scorer who could score from anywhere on the court. He had a variety of moves that made him nearly impossible to defend, and he was also an excellent rebounder and passer.During his time with the Knicks, Anthony set a number of scoring records. He scored 62 points in a game against the Charlotte Bobcats in 2014, which remains a franchise record. He also became the fastest player in NBA history to reach 10,000 points with a single franchise.Anthony led the Knicks to the playoffs three times during his tenure with the team, although they never advanced past the second round. Nevertheless, he remains one of the most prolific scorers in Knicks history.Kristaps Porzingis' Shooting Range and VersatilityWhen the Knicks drafted Kristaps Porzingis in 2015, they knew they were getting a unique talent. Porzingis was a 7-foot-3 power forward who could shoot from beyond the arc, handle the ball, and defend multiple positions.Porzingis' shooting ability was particularly impressive. He had a smooth stroke and deep range, which made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He could also put the ball on the floor and get to the rim, or post up smaller defenders and use his size to his advantage.Porzingis played for the Knicks from 2015 to 2019, and during that time he averaged 17.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. He was named to the All-Rookie First Team in 2016, and he was a rising star in the league before injuries derailed his career.RJ Barrett's Promising Start as a Knicks ShooterThe Knicks drafted RJ Barrett with the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, and he has already shown flashes of his potential as a shooter. Barrett is a left-handed wing player who can shoot from beyond the arc or attack the basket with his strong frame.Barrett's shooting numbers weren't great during his rookie season, as he shot just 32% from three-point range and 53% from the free-throw line. But he showed improvement as the season went on, and he finished the year averaging 14.3 points per game.Barrett has a smooth stroke and good mechanics on his shot, and he has the potential to be a reliable scorer for the Knicks for years to come.The Future of Knicks Shooting: Immanuel Quickley and Obi ToppinLooking ahead, the Knicks have two young players who could emerge as key shooters for the team: Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin.Quickley was drafted by the Knicks in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft, and he impressed during his rookie season. He has a quick release and deep range, which makes him a dangerous scorer from beyond the arc. He also showed an ability to get to the free-throw line and convert at a high rate.Toppin was also drafted by the Knicks in 2020, and he has the potential to be a versatile scorer for the team. He can shoot from beyond the arc or attack the basket with his athleticism and size. He also has the ability to play multiple positions, which should make him a valuable asset to the Knicks offense.The Knicks have a long history of great shooters, and it looks like that tradition will continue with Quickley and Toppin. As the team continues to rebuild and look towards the future, these young players could emerge as the next generation of Knicks shooting stars.
The Best Shooter in Knicks History: A Point of View
Introduction
The New York Knicks have a rich history, and throughout their existence, they have seen some incredible basketball players. One of the most critical positions in any basketball team is the shooter, and the Knicks have had their fair share of sharpshooters. But who is the best shooter in Knicks history? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the pros and cons of the top contenders for this title and provide a table comparison of their stats.The Contenders
Steve Novak
Steve Novak is one of the most lethal three-point shooters in Knicks history. During his tenure with the team from 2011-2013, he shot an incredible 44.6% from beyond the arc. He was also known for his clutch shooting, having hit game-winning threes against the Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers in the 2011-2012 season.Pros:- One of the highest three-point percentages in Knicks history
- Known for his clutch shooting
- A fan favorite during his time with the team
- Played only two seasons with the team
- Did not contribute much defensively or in other areas of the game
Allan Houston
Allan Houston is one of the most beloved Knicks of all time, and for good reason. He was an excellent scorer and a deadly shooter. During his time with the Knicks from 1996 to 2005, he shot 40.2% from three-point range. He was also known for his clutch shooting, having hit several game-winning shots during his tenure with the team.Pros:- One of the most beloved Knicks of all time
- Excellent scorer and shooter
- Known for his clutch shooting
- Played only nine seasons with the team
- Did not contribute much defensively or in other areas of the game
John Starks
John Starks was a fan favorite during his time with the Knicks, and he was an excellent shooter. During his time with the team from 1990 to 1998, he shot 36.6% from beyond the arc. He was also known for his tenacity on defense and his ability to come up with steals and blocks.Pros:- Fan favorite and one of the most popular Knicks of all time
- Excellent shooter who was deadly from beyond the arc
- Contributed significantly on defense
- Did not have the same level of success as Novak and Houston in terms of three-point percentage
- Was not known for his clutch shooting ability
Table Comparison
Here is a table comparing the stats of Novak, Houston, and Starks:| Player | Years with Knicks | Three-Point Percentage | Clutch Shooting | Defense |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Novak | 2011-2013 | 44.6% | Known for clutch shooting | Did not contribute much defensively |
| Allan Houston | 1996-2005 | 40.2% | Known for clutch shooting | Did not contribute much defensively |
| John Starks | 1990-1998 | 36.6% | Not known for clutch shooting | Contributed significantly on defense |
Conclusion
Choosing the best shooter in Knicks history is a difficult task, as each of these players brought their unique strengths and weaknesses to the game. However, based on three-point percentage, clutch shooting ability, and overall impact on the game, Steve Novak emerges as the top contender for this title. Nevertheless, each of these players has made their mark on Knicks history and will always be remembered for their contributions to the team.The Best Shooter in Knicks History: A Look Back
As we come to the end of this journey through the history of the New York Knicks, it's clear that there have been many great players who have graced the court at Madison Square Garden over the years. But when it comes to shooting, there's one player who stands head and shoulders above the rest.
That player is none other than Allan Houston, who played for the Knicks from 1996 to 2005. During his time with the team, Houston established himself as one of the best shooters in NBA history, and his legacy still lives on today.
So what made Houston such a great shooter? Let's take a closer look at his career and find out.
First and foremost, Houston was an incredibly accurate shooter. He finished his career with a field goal percentage of 44.5%, which is impressive enough on its own. But when you consider that he shot 40.2% from three-point range, it becomes clear just how deadly he was from beyond the arc.
But Houston wasn't just a one-dimensional shooter. He was also capable of getting to the rim and finishing strong, as evidenced by his career average of 17.3 points per game. And he did it all while maintaining a remarkably efficient shooting percentage.
Of course, Houston didn't become a great shooter overnight. Like all players, he had to work hard to develop his skills and refine his technique. But even as a young player, he showed signs of greatness.
As a rookie with the Detroit Pistons in 1993-94, Houston shot an impressive 47.8% from the field and 39.4% from three-point range. And while those numbers dipped a bit in his second season, he still showed enough promise to earn a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team.
It wasn't until he joined the Knicks in 1996, however, that Houston truly blossomed as a shooter. Playing alongside the likes of Patrick Ewing and Latrell Sprewell, he quickly established himself as one of the team's go-to scorers.
His breakout season came in 1999-2000, when he averaged a career-high 18.5 points per game and shot a blistering 47.8% from three-point range. That shooting percentage remains the second-highest single-season mark in NBA history, behind only Steve Kerr's 52.4% mark in 1994-95.
But Houston's greatest moment as a shooter came in the 1999 playoffs, when he hit a game-winning shot in the closing seconds of Game 5 of the first round series against the Miami Heat. That shot, which has become known as The Shot, is still remembered fondly by Knicks fans to this day.
Unfortunately, injuries began to take their toll on Houston in the later years of his career. He played just 70 games over his final three seasons with the Knicks, and was forced to retire in 2005 at the age of 34.
But even though his career was cut short, Houston's legacy as one of the best shooters in Knicks history lives on. His number 20 jersey was retired by the team in 2005, and he remains a beloved figure among Knicks fans.
So as we bring this journey through Knicks history to a close, let's take a moment to appreciate the greatness of Allan Houston. His shooting prowess was truly something special, and his impact on the team will not soon be forgotten.
Thank you for reading, and we hope you've enjoyed this look back at the best shooter in Knicks history.
People Also Ask About the Best Shooter in Knicks History: Answered
Who is the best shooter in Knicks history?
The best shooter in Knicks history is widely considered to be Hall of Famer, Earl Monroe. Known as The Pearl, Monroe played for the Knicks from 1971-1980 and was a four-time All-Star during his time in New York. He had a career shooting percentage of 50.4% and averaged 18.8 points per game.
Who else is considered a great shooter in Knicks history?
There have been several other great shooters in Knicks history, including:
- Patrick Ewing - He had a career shooting percentage of 50.4% and averaged 21.0 points per game during his 15 seasons with the Knicks.
- Bernard King - He had a career shooting percentage of 51.8% and averaged 26.5 points per game during his five seasons with the Knicks.
- Carmelo Anthony - He had a career shooting percentage of 44.9% and averaged 24.7 points per game during his seven seasons with the Knicks.
What made Earl Monroe such a great shooter?
Earl Monroe was known for his incredible ball-handling skills and ability to create his own shot. He was a master at using fakes and crossovers to get past defenders and had a quick release on his jump shot. His unique style of play and scoring ability earned him a reputation as one of the greatest guards in NBA history.
How does Earl Monroe compare to other great shooters in NBA history?
Earl Monroe's shooting percentages were not as high as some other great shooters in NBA history, such as Steve Nash or Larry Bird. However, his ability to score in clutch situations and his overall impact on the game make him one of the most legendary shooters in Knicks history.