Greatest New York Knicks of All Time: Ranking the Mount Rushmore

While Jalen Brunson may ultimately end up on this list, the New York Knicks' star is still shy of earning a seat on the all-time franchise Mount Rushmore at this point.

On this list, you won't find Carmelo Anthony or Dave DeBusschere. There's simply not enough room on this mountain. No disrespect to either of them. Anthony had his moments, including his electric mixtape of clutch jumpshots. So did DeBusschere, who was one of many factors leading the Knicks to a 1973 NBA championship, much due to his incredible defense.

The Knicks, as a whole, have so many legends that it's a tall order to rank them down to four.

We'll stick our neck out to attempt to solve an argument that has numerous acceptable answers, but it was four Basketball Hall of Famers who made our final cut.

The Honorable Mentions

• Dave DeBusschere (1968-1974)
• Carmelo Anthony (2011-2017)
• Bernard King (1982-1987)
• Bill Bradley (1967-1977)
• Red Holzman (coach from 1967-1982)
• Allan Houston (1996-2005)

4. Earl Monroe (1971-1980)

A common theme on this list is the number of Knicks mentioned on the 1973 NBA championship-winning team. DeBusschere and Bradley are both examples, but Monroe was a true standout on those Knicks teams. Monroe played in nine of 14 seasons with the Knicks, and was one of two of the Knicks' backcourt with Walt Frazier that inspired numerous future point guards with their smooth style.

Monroe's 15.5 points per game helped lead the Knicks to a 57-25 regular season in 1973, and they took down the Lakers in five games, in large part due to Monroe's average of 16 points and 4.2 assists in the NBA championship.

Monroe's No. 15 rightfully hangs in the rafters of Madison Square Garden, and the Philadelphia native brought an electrifying style of offense that makes his career legendary to this day.

3. Willis Reed (1964-1974, Coach in 1977-1978)