26 NBA teams have players that are playing in the Olympics. The New York Knicks unfortunately are not one of them. Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart were the only Knicks to have a shot at making the US squad, and both did not make the final cut. Precious Achiuwa could have represented Nigeria, OG Anunoby (if healthy) could have represented Great Britain, and the Knicks previously traded away Bojan Bogdanovic, Evan Fournier, and RJ Barrett.
However, US Olympics history has had some legendary performances in men’s basketball from Knicks players who have shone on the brightest stage. That does beg the question: who are the greatest Knicks in Olympics history?
To qualify for this list, you must be on the NY Knicks when you represent the US or have spent at least five years with the Knicks (this accounts for pre-1992).
3 Best Knicks in Olympics History
3. Jerry Lucas
Jerry Lucas’ one-and-only Olympics appearance was in 1960, 64 years ago. His only Olympics appearance was 16 years before the NBA-ABA merger. He was a part of the golden age of USA basketball, an age where USA college players dominated the rest of the world’s athletes, routinely bringing home the gold medal. Lucas was the leading scorer on the Olympics team, averaging 17 points per game en route to a gold medal, and scored 23 points as USA beat Brazil 90-63 in the finals. Lucas spent three years on the Knicks from 1971-1973. He was crucial to the Knicks title run in the 1972-73 season, averaging eight points off the bench in the playoffs. He was the Knicks’ leading playmaker off the bench in the finals and was a menace on the defensive end.
2. Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing was part of two gold medal teams, the amateur squad in 1984, and the “Dream Team” in 1992. Despite all his success in the NBA, Ewing was largely an effective role player on the international stage. He was one of the best shot-blockers in the Olympics and averaged 1.2 blocks throughout his Olympics career. He averaged 10.3 points in the Olympics and was an effective rebounder who averaged 10.7 boards per 36 minutes. His induction into the Hall of Fame was largely due to his success in the NBA, where Ewing was an 11x all-star and 7x All-NBA member. Ewing led the Knicks to their greatest stretch since their championship-winning teams in the 1970s. His legacy as part of the Knicks is irreplaceable. Even though he could never replicate his NBA dominance on the international stage, he proved to be one of the most effective role players.
1. Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony is one of the greatest players in Olympics history. He is a 3x gold medalist (2008, 2012, 2016) and a 1x bronze medalist (2004). Nobody has more medals than Melo on the biggest stage. Melo has the second most points for USA at the Olympics with 336. Melo’s greatest feat at the Olympics was his 37 points in 14 minutes against Nigeria in 2012. That performance gave him the most points in a single game by an American at the Olympics. He was the spark plug that helped USA beat up on opposing teams. Coming off the bench, Melo consistently averaged in double figures, helping put the opposition away by beating up on their second unit.
The Last Word on Best Knicks in Olympics History
The Knicks could be considered to be one of the least represented franchises on the international stage. Despite the financial success of the Knicks, they have lacked the NBA success that should follow. However, it seems like it will change in the years to come. A forward-thinking front office led by Leon Rose has given the Knicks the most hope they have had in over 25 years, and expect the Knicks to be around the top of the Eastern Conference for years to come.
