Knicks Left Out in Top 10 Franchise Ranking

The New York Knicks have a storied franchise, but it isn't among the best in the NBA.

Jeremy Brener | Jun 23, 2024

May 18, 1997; Miami, FL; USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Knicks center Patrick Ewing (33) reacts on the court against the Miami Heat during the the first round of the 1997 NBA Playoffs at the Miami Arena. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports / RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have been around since the NBA's inception in 1946, already making them one of the most historic franchises in the league's history.

But are they in the top 10? Bleacher Report writer Andy Bailey doesn't think so, putting the Knicks at No. 11 in his franchise ranking.

"The New York Knicks' recent history is grim. From 2001-02 through 2021-22, they had the worst winning percentage in the league," Bailey writes. "But there's a reason the Knicks are one of the most famous franchises in the history of professional sports, and it goes beyond geography (though that helps). From the start of the league through 2000-01, New York had the fourth most total wins in the league, trailing only the Lakers, Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers."

The top 10 include the Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.

The Knicks won titles in 1970 and 1973, but have yet to win one since. That being said, they are one of 11 franchises to win multiple championships, which is why they are among the top 11. That being said, they've had the longest amount of time to win more and they haven't been able to capitalize.

It's been 25 years since the Knicks made the NBA Finals, and a win in the modern era would likely move them up the list. To that point, the Knicks are about as close to that third championship as they have been in a very long time.

Jalen Brunson is a top 10 player in the NBA, and there's an argument that he may not even be in his prime yet. On top of that, he's got excellent chemistry with his teammates and a front office dedicated to improving the team around him even further.

It only took 50 wins for the Knicks to be the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference this season, so the window is open for them to add that third championship banner in the rafters of Madison Square Garden and move up on the all-time franchise rankings.

Make sure you bookmark All Knicks for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Published Jun 23, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.