The New York Knicks have a rich history of talented basketball players, including some of the best shooters the league has ever seen. Over the years, the team has seen some incredible marksmanship from players such as John Starks, Allan Houston, and Carmelo Anthony. However, there is one player who stands out as the best shooter in Knicks history, and that player is none other than the legendary Walt "Clyde" Frazier.
Frazier joined the Knicks in 1967 after being selected fifth overall in the NBA draft. From the very beginning of his career, it was clear that he had a unique skill set that made him stand out on the court. He was known for his incredible ball-handling skills, his ability to make precision passes, and his unparalleled shooting ability.
Throughout his 10 seasons with the Knicks, Frazier established himself as one of the most prolific shooters in the league. He averaged 18.9 points per game over his career, shooting an impressive 49.3% from the field. He was also deadly from beyond the arc, shooting 32.1% from three-point range, a remarkable feat considering that the three-point line did not exist for much of his career.
What set Frazier apart from other shooters was his ability to create his own shot. He was a master of the mid-range game, using his quickness and agility to get to his spots on the court and pull up for a jump shot. His patented spin move was nearly impossible to defend, and he often used it to create space for his shot. He was also a master of the bank shot, using the backboard to his advantage and making shots from impossible angles.
Frazier's shooting prowess was on full display in the 1970 NBA Finals, where he led the Knicks to their first championship in franchise history. In Game 7 of the series, Frazier scored 36 points and dished out 19 assists, setting a Finals record that still stands to this day. He was unstoppable that night, hitting shots from all over the court and making it look easy.
But Frazier's shooting ability wasn't just limited to scoring. He was also an excellent passer, using his vision and creativity to set up his teammates for easy baskets. He led the league in assists in 1975, averaging 7.9 per game, and finished his career with a total of 5,040 assists, ranking fourth on the Knicks' all-time list.
Off the court, Frazier was known for his flamboyant style and his love of fashion. He was a trendsetter, often wearing colorful suits and fedoras that made him stand out from the rest of the league. His personality and charisma made him a fan favorite, and he remains a beloved figure in Knicks lore to this day.
In recognition of his incredible career, the Knicks retired Frazier's jersey in 1979. He was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987, cementing his place in basketball history as one of the greatest players of all time.
In conclusion, while the Knicks have seen many great shooters over the years, there is no doubt that Walt Frazier stands out as the best. His ability to create his own shot, his deadly accuracy from the mid-range and beyond, and his incredible playmaking ability make him a true legend of the game. His impact on the Knicks and the sport of basketball as a whole cannot be overstated, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of players for years to come.