A roster of legends instantly comes to mind when you think of the New York Knicks. Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, Charles Oakley, and even the electrifying Carmelo Anthony have all left their mark. But if you had to pick just one as the greatest, the debate could rage on forever. Interestingly, Walt Clyde Frazier has no doubts—he claims the title for himself, boldly putting Patrick Ewing in second place. The catch?

Not everyone agrees, especially when the stats tell a different story. And let’s just say Frazier isn’t thrilled about that!

In a fiery comment making waves in Knicks circles, Walt Frazier didn’t hold back. “Broke all my records. I hate that guy,” he said, referring to Ewing. Now, before anyone gets riled up, it was all in good humor—but still, what a statement! For Clyde, who prides himself on being the epitome of Knick greatness, it’s hard to stomach seeing his name overtaken in the record books.

To fully appreciate Frazier’s frustration, you get to read the NBA history books for his Knicks stats. At one point, he dominated the record books: 759 games, 28,995 minutes, 14,617 points, and an impressive 4,791 assists that still stand untouched. Whether it was sinking free throws (3,145 made) or attempting 11,669 field goals, he was everywhere, shaping the Knicks’ golden era. But one by one, those records fell, and all fingers point to Patrick Ewing for stealing the crown.

And what about Ewing?

The 7’0” titan didn’t just break Frazier’s records—he obliterated them. Ewing redefined Knicks greatness leading the franchise with 23,665 points, 37,586 minutes, 10,759 rebounds, and a staggering 2,758 blocks. Hoya Destroya also holds franchise records in free throws (5,126), field goals (9,260), and steals (1,061). The numbers aren’t even close and this is a center we are talking about.

So, where does this leave the debate? If Knicks legends entered an all-time draft, it’s hard to argue against the dominance of the 1986 Rookie of the Year.

But Clyde?

He’s not budging from his throne!

Frazier called Ewing the “second greatest Knick”

The debate over the Knicks’ all-time greats reignited during a Madison Square Garden broadcast. Walt Frazier, ever the bold commentator, made a cheeky declaration as Patrick Ewing attended the game from the stands. “Patrick Ewing is here… second greatest Knick of all time,” Frazier said.

Not one to let such a claim slide, Mark Jackson chimed in during his Come Talk to Me podcast. Reflecting Frazier’s remark, Jackson offered his perspective on Ewing’s place in Knicks history. The former NBA guard made it clear he had a different view, one steeped in stats and sheer dominance.

“Look, if you have a guy playing for your franchise that is the all-time leading scorer, rebounder, block shot guy, games played guy, minutes played guy… it ain’t even close,” Jackson said.

While acknowledging other Knicks legends, he didn’t mince words about Ewing’s impact. “I love Willis Reed, I love Walt Frazier, I love Earl Monroe,” Jackson added.

Taking it further, Jackson threw down a bold claim. “If you put everybody that’s ever put on a Knicks jersey and you had a draft, the No. 1 pick without a doubt would be Patrick Ewing,” he said. “He is the greatest New York Knicks basketball player of all time.”

With these words, the debate isn’t cooling down anytime soon. Who do you guys think must stay on top of New York’s throne?