The New York Knicks are one of the most iconic franchises in sports. Their roster hasn’t always been loaded with iconic players though.
The New York Knicks have a long and storied history. Even their arena is iconic. While the last 20 years haven’t been as kind to the team, their history is littered with great players. Patrick Ewing, Bernard King, Walt Frazier, and Carmelo Anthony are some of the most prominent names to put on a Knicks jersey.
Even names of crucial role players like Charles Oakley and Anthony Mason evoke images of the franchise.
With that said, the Knicks have had their share of strange and random players come through the organization in their long history. Chances are high that you may not remember some of the good ones. Here are five strange players to have played for the Knicks you may have forgotten.
5. Antonio McDyess
McDyess enjoyed a solid 15-year NBA career. After becoming the second-overall pick in the 1995 draft, McDyess went from making the All-Rookie Team, All-NBA in 1999, and an All-Star with the Nuggets in 2001. McDyess played for Denver, Detroit, Phoenix, and San Antonio in his career. Oh, and New York.
The Knicks traded Marcus Camby, Nene, and Frank Williams to the Nuggets for McDyess and a second-round pick on draft night in 2002. McDyess was set to fortify the Knicks frontcourt when his knee gave out on him in their third preseason game. This injury costs McDyess the entire 2002-03 season. Players like Othella Harrington and Clarence Weatherspoon were tasked with filling the void left by McDyess.
McDyess returned the following season not quite the same player before the injury but still effective. As McDyess continued working his way back, he averaged 19.4 points and 15.2 rebounds per game while have more than one block and steal each night.
McDyess would finish out his career with several more strong seasons for Detroit and San Antonio after leaving the Knicks. Instead of waiting for McDyess’ return to form the following season, the Knicks traded him, Charlie Ward, Howard Eisley, Macjie Lampe, and two first-round picks to Phoenix in the Penny Hardaway and Stephon Marbury trade.
The Knicks only received 18 games from McDyess, who would go on to miss fewer than 10 games in six of his final seven seasons as a two-way contributor.