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New York Knicks: 30 Greatest Players of All-Time

By Nick Ziegler

Mar 27, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Vocal group the Four Tops with former NBA player Earl Monroe (purple tie) and New York Knicks president Phil Jackson and Walt Frazier and former NBA player Dick Barnett (right) acknowledge Walt Frazier for his 70th birthday during the game between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Vocal group the Four Tops with former NBA player Earl Monroe (purple tie) and New York Knicks president Phil Jackson and Walt Frazier and former NBA player Dick Barnett (right) acknowledge Walt Frazier for his 70th birthday during the game between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks: 30 Greatest Players of All-Time
Jan 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Former Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson and current ESPN commentator smiles before the start of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

25.) PG Mark Jackson

In the 1987 NBA Draft, the Knicks were able to pick one of the best local products New York has ever produced in Mark Jackson. Jackson was selected with the 18th overall pick by Knicks from St. John’s and the Brooklyn kid went on to have a great NBA career.

As a rookie in the 1987-88 season, Jackson was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, as he averaged 13.6 points, 10.6 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. In his second season with the Knicks, Jackson was named to his first and only All-Star team, as he averaged 16.9 points, 8.6 assists, and 1.9 assists per game.

After a few down seasons, Jackson was traded as part of a three-team deal which brought Doc Rivers to New York in an ironic move with both becoming successful coaches after their playing days were over.

In 2001, Jackson would make his return to New York as he was traded with Muggsy Bogues by the Raptors to the Knicks for Chris Childs and a first round pick which would eventually be Kareem Rush. After a little more than one season back with the Knicks, Jackson would once again be traded again, as this time, he was sent as part of a package to the Denver Nuggets for the Knicks to acquire Antonio McDyess.

Jackson is number one in franchise history with 8.0 assists per game, as he was a true point guard back in the day.

Next: The Camby Man

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