A Basic History of the New York Knicks Basketball Team

The New York Knicks are a professional basketball team that plays in the National Basketball Association. The Knicks play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the NBA. The New York Knicks play their home games in Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The New York Knicks are currently owned by James Dolan and Madison Square Garden, L.P. The team is currently coached by Isiah Thomas. The official colors of the New York Knicks are blue, white, orange, and black.

The Knicks were founded in 1946 when they became a charter member of the Basketball Association of America. Three years later, the Basketball Association of America merged with the National Basketball League to form the NBA.

Since the team began playing in New York in 1946, the Knicks have won eight division titles. The team took home a division title in 1953, 1954, 1970, 1971, 1989, and 1992-1994. The Knicks have also won eight conference titles in 1951-1953, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1994, and 1999. The New York Knicks won their two NBA Championships in 1970 and 1973.

Ten former players for the Knicks are currently in the National Basketball Hall of Fame. Those ten players are Walt Bellamy, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, Walt Frazier, Harry Gallatin, Tom Gola, Jerry Lucas, Dick McGuire, Earl Monroe, and Willis Reed. Former coaches Red Holzman, Hubie Brown, Lenny Wilkens, and Larry Brown are all also in the Hall of Fame. The current coach of the New York Knicks, Isiah Thomas, is enshrined in the Hall of Fame for his playing career with the Detroit Pistons. Former player Patrick Ewing will enter the Hall of Fame once he becomes eligible.

Seven former players have had their numbers retired by the New York Knicks. Those players who have had their jersey numbers retired are Walt Frazier - 10, Dick Barnett - 12, Earl Monroe - 15, Dick McGuire - 15, Willis Reed - 19, Dave DeBusschere - 22, and Patrick Ewing - 33. Monroe and McGuire both wore the number 15, and it was retired after both had stopped playing. The number 613 is retired in honor of former coach Red Holzman. Holzman had 613 wins as coach of the New York Knicks.

Some other former fan favorites in New York include Phil Jackson, Charles Oakley, Allan Houston, Kenny Walker, and John Starks. The current New York Knicks team is headed by a pair of point guards, Steve Francis and Stephon Marbury. Center Eddy Curry has also been improving for the team, becoming a force inside the paint.