- Arguably the most iconic basketball franchise is still searching for their top-5 player
- One player has stood out as the best one in modern Knicks history
- After a brief transition period, there might be a new sheriff in town
The New York Knicks have stood as both an emblem of urban grit and a testament to the enduring passion of their fervent fanbase. From 2011 to 2023, the franchise embarked on a journey marked by a rollercoaster of highs and lows and during this transformative period, a select group of players rose to prominence, etching their names into the storied history of the franchise.
- 2010-11 – Carmelo Anthony
- 2011-12 – Carmelo Anthony
- 2012-13 – Carmelo Anthony
- 2013-14 – Carmelo Anthony
- 2014-15 – Carmelo Anthony
- 2015-16 – Carmelo Anthony
- 2016-17 – Carmelo Anthony
- 2017-18 – Kristaps Porzingis
- 2018-19 – Tim Hardaway Jr.
- 2019-20 – Julius Randle
- 2020-21 – Julius Randle
- 2021-22 – Julius Randle
- 2022-23 – Julius Randle
Perhaps fans of the past would respect New York more because their dominance in the Eastern Conference is etched in history despite the modern woes. This isn’t the 1970s anymore and the rollercoaster of the ups and downs faced by the Knicks franchise is truly astonishing, specifically from the modern time period starting in 2011.
We have already seen the Lakers icons from 2011 until 2023, but let’s focus on the New York Knicks this time. The Knicks had some great times by striking big on blockbuster deals and free agency but also went through very difficult times as they failed to make an impact in the postseason. With a new era in New York starting in 2023, it is time to uncover the best Knicks players from 2011 until 2023.
2010-11 – Carmelo Anthony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9u8745-u5o
Stats: 26.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star
Carmelo Anthony’s 2010-11 season was notable for his performance with the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks.
He began the season with the Nuggets, but trade rumors swirled around him. Eventually, he was traded to the Knicks in February 2011. His numbers that season were impressive, averaging around 26.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game with the Knicks over 27 games.
However, his efficiency dipped slightly due to higher shot attempts (19.9 field-goal attempts on 46.6% shooting from the field).
The trade to the Knicks rejuvenated his career and marked a significant move in the NBA landscape regardless, and the duo with Amar’e Stoudamire was considered the new era with the Knicks, although they lost in the first round of the playoffs against the Celtics.
2011-12 – Carmelo Anthony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rRDw9cJYOg
Stats: 22.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Third Team Selection
Carmelo Anthony’s 2011-12 season was affected by the NBA lockout, which shortened the season to 66 games. During this season, he continued to play for the New York Knicks despite some doubts about his ability alongside Stoudamire.
Anthony’s performance remained strong, with him averaging around 22.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
However, his shooting percentages dropped compared to previous years, partly due to the condensed schedule and the adjustments needed for the team.
Despite some challenges, he still played a key role in leading the Knicks to the playoffs, showing his scoring prowess and offensive skills. The Knicks were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs to the LeBron James-led Miami Heat.
2012-13 – Carmelo Anthony
Stats: 28.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Second Team Selection, Scoring Champion
Carmelo Anthony’s 2012-13 season was one of his most impressive in terms of individual performance. He continued to play for the New York Knicks and had a standout year. Anthony led the league in scoring, averaging around 28.7 points per game.
His efficiency also improved compared to the previous season, particularly in terms of his shooting percentages, as he shot 44.9% from the field, 37.9% from three, and 83.0% from the stripe.
He played a significant role in helping the Knicks secure the second seed in the Eastern Conference and achieve their best regular season record in years. His offensive versatility, scoring ability, and improved teamwork were key factors in the team’s success that season.
Although the Knicks didn’t advance deep in the playoffs, as they lost in the second round to the Miami Heat, Anthony’s performance during the regular season showcased his status as one of the premier scorers in the league.
2013-14 – Carmelo Anthony
Stats: 27.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star
Under head coach, Mike Woodson, the New York Knicks were simply a bad team in 2014. That didn’t take away from Anthony’s performance, as he posted 27.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game without much help outside J.R. Smith (14.5 points per game).
However, Amar’e Stoudamire was a shell of himself, only posting 11.9 points per game at 31 years old, which did not help New York’s cause.
As expected, the Knicks missed the playoffs as only Anthony was able to influence the win-loss category for the team. Even if the Knicks finished 24th in defense, the Knicks’ 8th-ranked offense was mainly thanks to Carmelo Anthony, as it was a one-man show for most of the year.
2014-15 – Carmelo Anthony
Stats: 24.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star
The 2015 season was another rough year for the New York Knicks. Carmelo Anthony only played 40 games, and even when that was the case, he averaged 24.2 points per game and was by far the best player on the team.
Rumors of Carmelo finding a new home were swirling everywhere as even the staunchest Knicks fans were pleading with him to get out of the situation.
Andrea Bargnani was the second-best scorer on the team by posting 14.8 points per game, and while he was a solid player, he was never suitable as a second option. As expected, despite Anthony’s scoring over the games he played, the Knicks only won 17 games in a terrible season as they missed the postseason again.
2015-16 – Carmelo Anthony
Stats: 21.8 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star
Once again, the New York Knicks were a one-man show led by superstar offensive player Carmelo Anthony. Still a dominant offensive player with size and explosiveness, Anthony was difficult to stop as he averaged 21.8 points per game over 72 games played.
Except this time, rookie Kristaps Porzingis was a shocking prospect who averaged 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game to go along with 1.9 blocks per game. Even with the presence of who was soon to be called “The Unicorn”, the Knicks were a poor team as they missed the playoffs under out-of-depth head coach Derek Fisher.
2016-17 – Carmelo Anthony
Stats: 22.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star
Another season, another wasted effort by Carmelo Anthony. Anthony was still keeping the Knicks afloat in the 2017 campaign, posting 22.4 points per game over 74 games played. He had more help this time in the form of Kristaps Porzingis (18.1 points per game) and Derrick Rose (18.0 points per game).
Even with a little more help, the Knicks were a poor defensive team, as they ranked 26th in defensive rating under new coach Jeff Hornacek. Carmelo Anthony was the solid go-to player that the Knicks needed, and Porzingis was growing, but this would be the final campaign that the superstar forward would carry the Knicks.
2017-18 – Kristaps Porzingis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuR-J3G4Lnc
Stats: 22.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.4 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star
Carmelo Anthony was gone after being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and that meant the franchise belonged to Kristaps Porzingis. Guess what? The Latvian made his first All-Star campaign by averaging 22.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. A strong scorer and shot-blocker, Porzingis became known as a unicorn.
However, once again, the New York Knicks struggled under Jeff Hornacek as they missed the playoffs. Trading Carmelo Anthony, who was unsettled and wanted out, was always going to be the end of any playoff hope, but Porzingis’ presence was truly one of the few shining lights at the end of a tunnel before an ACL injury ended his campaign.
2018-19 – Tim Hardaway Jr.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ugc5_ZgW73A
Stats: 19.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Achievements And Awards: N/A
With Porzingis out for the season with an ACL injury, the Knicks were simply lacking star talent and Tim Hardaway Jr had to step into a bigger role for the team over the 46 games played before getting traded to the Dallas Mavericks in the month of January 2019.
The shooting guard averaged 19.1 points per game, as he was one of nine players to average double-digit scoring. That is generally a good sign, but 17 games won wasn’t.
The period towards the end of Carmelo Anthony’s reign and after was a difficult one for Knicks fans. They had to endure many different head coaches, drama on and off the court, and countless injuries and roster shuffles. No doubt, the Knicks were searching for a new star player, and he would arrive the following season.
2019-20 – Julius Randle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr8EiwYNReo
Stats: 19.5 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 3.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Achievements And Awards: N/A
The Knicks were forced to rebuild quickly as Kristaps Porzingis would be traded after the big man wanted out. In their rebuild, the franchise brought in RJ Barrett as the No. 3 overall pick and also gave Julius Randle a chance to become a franchise player.
The power forward proved he might be that, averaging 19.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. Even with some hope, David Fizdale and the New York Knicks only won 21 games in the Covid-shortened season and had to quickly regroup to appease frustrated Knicks fans.
Luckily for them, there would be much better times to come in just the following season with a massive boost in play thanks to Randle.
2020-21 – Julius Randle
Stats: 24.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 6.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Second Team Selection, Most Improved Player
Just like that, hope was given to the Knicks franchise. Julius Randle was sensational in his career year, posting 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game while being in his bag all year. Utilizing improved skills such as playmaking, rebounding, and even shot-creation from the perimeter, Randle helped the Knicks make the playoffs.
New York won 41 games in 2021, and even if they lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks led by Trae Young, the fact that the team was able to compete was more than a great sign. For the first time since Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudamire were on the team, playoff appearances became expected.
2021-22 – Julius Randle
Stats: 20.1 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 5.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Achievements And Awards: N/A
The 2021-22 campaign did not end as expected since the Knicks missed the playoffs, and Julius Randle was the subject of a ton of criticism after his career year. While that was slightly unfair, Knicks fans are known to be unforgiving, and the power forward has to learn that relatively quickly.
New York won 37 games thanks to their 6th-ranked defense, RJ Barrett averaged 20.0 points per game, and Tom Thibodeau seemed to be the right coach moving forward. Those were all positive signs, and New York might have given the head coach one more season to steer the ship and get back to the playoffs.
2022-23 – Julius Randle
Stats: 25.1 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Third Team Selection
In the 2023 campaign, the Knicks greatly improved. While the addition of Jalen Brunson in free agency was massive, as the point guard posted 24.0 points and 6.2 assists per game, Julius Randle was still the team’s best all-around player and only All-Star.
Randle was back to his best, averaging 25.1 points and 10.0 rebounds per game, and he led the Knicks to a very solid 47 wins. Barrett was solid with a 19.6 points per game average, and Immanuel Quickley also blossomed into a contender for 6th Man of the Year by posting 14.9 points per game.
The Knicks finally made it out of the first round thanks to Randle and Brunson’s brilliance but were forced home thanks to the Miami Heat. The future still looks bright for the Knicks as they aim to keep building on their exciting core.
