The Knicks’ golden era was built through the draft. The final pieces that came later on — Dave DeBusschere, Dick Barnett, and later still Pearl Monroe and Jerry Lucas — were the auxiliary pieces that put them over the top. But from 1964-67, the following players arrived directly to the Knicks, who were smart enough to take them: Willis Reed, Bill Bradley, Clyde Frazier, Cazzie Russell and Phil Jackson.
That’s a platinum-plated foundation. It’s worth noting the foundation of the current best team on the planet, Golden State, was also formed because of three draft picks — Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green — none with the kind of elite pick the Knicks will have at No.