The Knicks have returned to the NBA Playoffs after missing out last year with their players seen wearing the number 19 ribbon on the jersey
New York finished with the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference, set for a first-round matchup with the Cavaliers, thanks to All-Star forward Julius Randle, rising star guard Jalen Brunson, and potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate Immanuel Quickley.
If youโre watching a Knicks playoff game and notice a black No. 19 ribbon on their jersey, you might wonder who wore that number and why heโs honored on their jerseys.
Reason behind number 19 ribbon on New York Knicks players jersey
The black No. 19 ribbon on the Knicks uniform honors the late, great Willis Reed, who died on March 21, 2023, at the age of 80.
In an earlier post, NBA New York ย revealed that โKnicks will wear this 19 ribbon to honor the late Willis Reed.โ
For those unversed, let us tell you, Reed is widely regarded as one of the greatest New York Knicks players of all time.
He spent his entire ten-year NBA career in New York, where he won two championships. Since Reedโs teams in 1970 and 1973, the Knicks have not won an NBA championship.
The Knicks retired Reedโs No. 19, and he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1982. He was also named to the NBAโs 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Take a look at a few pieces written by The Sporting News following Reedโs death in March, as well as one โTSN Archivesโ piece from โThe Willis Reed Gameโ back in 1970, for more on his historic Knicks career.
Reedโs Career Stats
10 seasons played with Knicks
18.7 points per game
12.9 rebounds per game
1.8 assists per game
1.1 blocks per game*
0.6 steals per game*
47.6 percent field goal
74.7 percent free throw
Reed served as an assistant and head coach for several teams after retiring as a player, then was promoted to general manager and vice president of basketball operations for the New Jersey Nets (1989-1996). He assisted in leading the team to the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003 as senior vice president of basketball operations.
Reed’s athleticism and skill have been acknowledged in rap songs. Kurtis Blow’s 1984 hit “Basketball” is one example.
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