New York Knickerbockers
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Franchise Name History
The New York Knickerbockers are one of the NBA’s original franchises.
The term "Knickerbockers" traces its origin back to the Dutch settlers who came to the New World -- and especially to what is now New York -- in the 1600s. Specifically, it refers to the style of pants the settlers wore ... pants that rolled up just below the knee, which became known as "Knickerbockers," or "knickers".
Through history, the Dutch settler "Knickerbocker" character became synonymous with New York City. The city's most popular symbol of the late 19th and early 20th centuries was "Father Knickerbocker," complete with cotton wig, three-cornered hat, buckled shoes, and, of course, knickered pants.
"The name came out of a hat," recalled Fred Podesta, the longtime Garden executive who passed away at age 86 in 1999. "We were all sitting in the office one day – Ned Irish, (public relations director) Lester Scott and a few others on the staff. We each put a name in the hat, and when we pulled them out, most of them said Knickerbockers, after Father Knickerbocker, the symbol of New York City. It soon was shortened to Knicks."
Franchise Arena History
| Arena | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Madison Square Garden III | 1946-1968 | 49th Street & 8th Avenue |
| 69th Regiment Armory | 1946-1960 | 25th Street & Lexington Avenue |
| Madison Square Garden IV | 1968-present | 33rd Street & 8th Avenue |
Retired Numbers
| Number | Player |
|---|---|
| 10 | Walt Frazier |
| 12 | Dick Barnett |
| 15* | Earl Monroe |
| 15* | Dick McGuire |
| 19 | Willis Reed |
| 22 | Dave DeBusschere |
| 24 | Bill Bradley |
| 33 | Patrick Ewing |
| 613 | Red Holzman |
- Number 15 was retired twice
