Although they finished 2nd in the atlantic division, the New York Knicks of 71-72 were able to secure a 48-34 record under coach Red Holzman. Beating out both the Boston Celtics and Baltimore Bullets in the Eastern Conference, this team advanced to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, the LA Lakers were able to dismantle them in the NBA Finals 1-4, but that didn’t stop the New York Knicks from becoming legends in their own right.
Starting Lineup
Walt Frazier, PG/SG (91)
Age: 27
Height: 6’4”
Traits: Two-Way Star
Best Stats: Steals, lateral Quickness, Stamina
The Star of the roster, Walt Frazier almost seemed like a Disney Fantasy on the court. Averaging an amazing 23.2 points per game, he also held an astounding 6.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. This was more impressive due to his height and position, making him scary inside and outside the paint.
Jerry Lucas, PF/C (85)
Age: 32
Height: 6’8”
Traits: Paint Protector
Best Stats: Rebounding, Stamina, Strength
The primary big man in the center, Jerry Lucas did an extremely good job holding down offensive pushes against opponents. Averaging a great 16.7 points per game, 13.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game, paint protector doesn’t do him justice. He was more of a brick wall against anyone attempting to make a drive.
Dave DeBusschere, PF/SF (83)
Age: 31
Height: 6’6”
Traits: Paint Protector
Best Stats: Stamina, Rebounding, Strength
If you wanted a strong scorer with great defensive capabilities, look no further than Dave Debusschere. Although he fell behind Jerry Lucas in many points, he still held strong with a nice 15.4 points per game, as well as 3.6 assists per game. But, he had a staggering 11.3 rebounds per game, making him a nightmare against bad shooters.
Willis Reed, C/PF (82)
Age: 30
Height: 6’9”
Traits: Paint Protector
Best Stats: Rebounding, Blocks, Strength
Another strong scorer for the Knicks, Willis Reed was a good center for the squad. Averaging 13.4 points per game, he also held a decent 8.7 rebounds per game, as well as 2.0 assists. This made him problematic for some teams that weren’t able to push him out, and succumbed to his strengths.
Earl Monroe, PG/SG (80)
Age: 27
Height: 6’3”
Traits: Two-Way Star
Best Stats: Stamina, Layups, Ball Handling
Although he didn’t start every single game available, he was nevertheless one of the primary starters of the New York Knicks in the 71-72 iteration. Holding a pretty standard 11.4 points per game, he also had 2.2 assists per game, and a measly 1.5 rebounds. But, he made up for it in strengths not seen in stats, with strong combination play with his teammates.
NBA 2K19 1971-1972 New York Knicks Roster
Name | OVR | Position | Height | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Walt Frazier | 91 | PG | 6’4” | 26 |
Jerry Lucas | 85 | C | 6’8” | 31 |
Dave DeBusschere | 83 | PF | 6’6” | 31 |
Willis Reed | 82 | C | 6’9” | 29 |
Earl Monroe | 80 | SG | 6’3” | 27 |
Bill Bradley | 77 | SF | 6’5” | 28 |
Dick Barnett | 76 | SG | 6’4” | 35 |
Phil Jackson | 71 | PF | 6’8” | 26 |
Luther Rackley | 66 | C | 6’10” | 25 |