In the world of basketball, few things rival the allure of playing for the New York Knicks. As one of the most iconic franchises in the NBA, the Knicks have a storied history and a reputation for greatness. And at the center of it all is Madison Square Garden, often referred to as the “Mecca” of basketball.
The Garden has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in NBA history, from Reggie Miller’s legendary eight points in nine seconds to Carmelo Anthony’s 62-point performance, to Jeremy Lin’s 38-point outduel against Kobe Bryant. These are just a few examples of the magic that can happen when players take the court at the Mecca.
With such a rich history, it’s no surprise that the New York Knicks have seen their fair share of standout individual seasons in the 21st century. But what exactly are the five greatest seasons by Knicks players in this era?
To answer that question, we need to establish some qualifiers. First and foremost, a great season cannot be truly great if a player hasn’t suited up for at least 80% of the games. Additionally, making the All-Star team is a crucial factor in determining the quality of a player’s season, as it showcases their performance in comparison to the rest of the league.
One of the standout seasons in Knicks history came from none other than Carmelo Anthony during the 2013-14 campaign. Putting up impressive numbers of 27.4 points, 3.1 assists, and 8.1 rebounds per game on efficient shooting splits of 45.2/40.2/84.8, Carmelo was a force to be reckoned with. Despite the team’s struggles, Carmelo’s impact was undeniable – the Knicks performed significantly better with him on the court, and he boasted a PER of 24.4, the second-highest of his career. Carmelo’s 62-point explosion against the Charlotte Bobcats remains a record for the Knicks to this day, solidifying his place in history. Furthermore, he earned an All-Star nod and finished 15th in MVP voting that season.
Another standout season in recent memory was Julius Randle’s performance in the 2022-23 season. Following the acquisition of Jalen Brunson, Randle took his game to new heights, averaging 25.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 10.0 rebounds per game. Playing a pivotal role in the Knicks’ return to the playoffs, Randle was a key contributor on both ends of the floor. His impact was felt in every facet of the game, leading to his selection as an All-Star and a second All-NBA appearance on the All-NBA third team.
In the grand scheme of Knicks history, these seasons stand out as shining examples of individual brilliance in the 21st century. As the legacy of the Knicks continues to grow, these performances serve as a reminder of the greatness that can be achieved at the Mecca of basketball.
