Established
1946
City
New York
League History
1949 – Present / National Basketball Association
1946 – 1949 / Basketball Association of America
Team History
1946 – Present / New York Knickerbockers
Nickname
Knickerbockers – The New York Knickerbockers, or the Knicks for short, have been a beloved basketball team since their inception in 1946. The name has become synonymous with professional basketball and is one of the most recognizable names in sports. But where did this unique nickname come from?
New York Knicks Origin
It turns out that the origin of “Knickerbocker” dates back to pre-Revolutionary War days when Dutch settlers first arrived in what would eventually become New York City. In those days, people who lived near what was then called “New Amsterdam” were known as "Knickers" because they wore knee-length trousers (which we now call knickers). Over time, these same people became known as "Knickerbockers," an Anglicized version of their original Dutch moniker.
In 1946 when Ned Irish founded the Basketball Association of America (the forerunner to today's NBA), he decided to pay homage to his city's rich cultural heritage by naming his new franchise after these early inhabitants - thus giving birth to The New York Knickerbockers! Since then, generations have embraced this unique name and made it part of sports history forever!
Championship
NBA Championships 2
1973, 1970
Arena
1946 – Present / Madison Square Garden
Owner
1999 – Present / James Dolan - The Madison Square Garden Company
1946 – 1999 / Ned Irish - The Madison Square Garden Company
- 1946
- 1968
- 1970
- 1973
- 2011
-
New York Knickerbockers Team Formation
Irish wanted a distinct name for his franchise that was representative of the city of New York. He called together members of his staff for a meeting to cast their votes in a hat. After tallying the votes, the franchise was named the Knickerbockers. The “Knickerbocker” name comes from the pseudonym used by Washington Irving in his book A History ... -
Madison Square Garden Re-opens
On February 11, 1968, the current Madison Square Garden (sometimes referred to as Madison Square Garden IV) opened after Irving M. Felt, who purchased the air rights from the Pennsylvania Railroad, tore down the above-ground portions of the original Pennsylvania Station. The new structure was one of the first of its kind to be built above the platforms of an ... -
NBA Finals Winner 1970
NBA Finals – 1970 The 1970 NBA World Championship Series the championship round of the 1970 NBA Playoffs, which concluded the National Basketball Association 1969 – 1970 season. The Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks faced the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers in a best-of-seven series that the Knicks won 4 games to 3 for their first NBA title. -
NBA Finals Winner 1973
NBA Finals – 1973 The 1973 NBA World Championship Series pitted the New York Knicks of the Eastern Conference against the Los Angeles Lakers of the Western Conference for the NBA championship. The series was an exact reversal of the prior year, with the Lakers winning Game 1 and the Knicks taking the next four games. -
Anthony Acquired from Denver
In spite of the team’s mounting success, New York made a push to acquire Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony. After months of speculation, on February 22, 2011, Anthony was traded to New York, with teammates Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter, and former Knick Renaldo Balkman. Denver acquired Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Mozgov, Kosta Koufos, a 2014 first-round draft ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
New York Knicks History
The New York Knicks history begins as a founding member of the Basketball Association of America in 1946, becoming one of the NBA’s oldest franchises. Known originally as the Knickerbockers—a name drawn from Washington Irving’s character "Father Knickerbocker"—the team has always embodied New York’s identity.
The early years showed promise: the Knicks reached the first three NBA Finals (1951–53), though without winning. Their first major success came in 1970, when under coach Red Holzman and led by Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Bill Bradley, and Dave DeBusschere, they won their first championship. They followed that with another title in 1973, cementing the legacy of New York Knicks basketball in the league’s elite.
The 1990s marked a fierce era for New York Knicks history, anchored by Patrick Ewing. Under coaches like Pat Riley and Jeff Van Gundy, the team became known for rugged defense and intense rivalry matchups. They reached the NBA Finals in 1994 and 1999 but fell short of a third championship. The era remains one of the most celebrated chapters in Knicks lore.
In the 21st century, the Knicks faced long stretches of disappointment. However, recent seasons have signaled a revival. Under coach Tom Thibodeau and led by stalwarts like Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett, the franchise returned to relevance with its deepest playoff run since 1999. This resurgence marks a promising new chapter in New York Knicks basketball.
Knicks Achievements
The New York Knicks history includes two NBA championships (1970, 1973) and two additional NBA Finals appearances (1994, 1999). The franchise has also secured eight division titles and reached the Eastern Conference Finals four times.
The 2024–25 season added a renewed sense of accomplishment for New York Knicks basketball. The team posted a solid 51–31 regular-season record, claimed second in the Atlantic Division, and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals—their deepest postseason push in 25 years. This playoff success has reignited hope that another championship could be on the horizon.
Sports Fan Products
Exploring New York Knicks Team History: Must-Watch Insights
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Mount Rushmore New York Knicks: The Legend Who Defined an Era!
This video delves into the life and career of the player who became the face of the franchise, defining an era at Madison Square Garden. From his early days in the NBA to his rise as a beloved icon, we explore how Mount Rushmore New York Knicks symbolized determination, skill, and loyalty.
Retired Number
10 / Walt Frazier
12 / Dick Barnett
15 / Earl Monroe
15 / Dick McGuire
19 / Willis Reed
22 / Dave DeBusschere
24 / Bill Bradley
33 / Patrick Ewing
613 / Red Holzman
*Blue is this team’s history