New York Knicks retire first number, 19, Willis Reed.

On October 21, 1976, an iconic event occurred in the prestigious history of the New York Knicks: the retirement of the first ever number jersey—number 19, Willis Reed’s jersey. Considering the impact Willis Reed had on the history of basketball and the Knicks franchise, the event became a remarkable milestone that still resonates within the world of professional basketball.

Born on June 25, 1942, Willis Reed is greatly revered for his exploits on the basketball court, primarily during his tenure with the New York Knicks. Reed was a dynamic player, a force to be reckoned with, who skillfully handled both the power forward and center positions. Reed’s time in New York Knicks marked an era of triumph, and his intense game performances, unparalleled leadership, and devotion to his team are still reminisced today by sports enthusiasts.

Reed’s contribution to the Knicks team was extraordinary. After being drafted in 1964, he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. He led the Knicks to their first championship in 1970, inspiring the team and fans with one of the most legendary moments in NBA finals history. Despite an injury, he came out to play in Game 7 and emerged victorious against the Los Angeles Lakers, displaying an insurmountable spirit and commitment. Reed was named the Finals MVP that year.

In addition to his heroics, Reed was named an NBA All-Star seven times, and he earned the NBA MVP title in 1970. In his career spanning ten years, Reed scored 12,183 points, an average of 18.7 points per game, and secured 8,414 rebounds, an average of 12.9 per game. These are impressive numbers, highlighting Reed’s commitment to his game and his stellar performance on the court.

The retirement of the jersey with number 19, once donned by this towering figure of basketball, marked an exceptional event in Knicks’ history. The event symbolized the appreciation and recognition the Knicks organization showed for Reed’s contribution to the game and the team. It’s a practice within the sports world to retire a jersey number as a tribute to a player’s inspirational journey, and Reed, with his stellar career and devotion to the Knicks, more than earned this honor.

The jersey retirement took place on October 21, 1976—not too long after Reed had ended his professional career. The Knicks decided to celebrate Reed’s great career by retiring his jersey, thus ensuring that no other Knicks’ player would ever wear the number 19, forever linking it to Reed’s legacy. This gesture was the organization’s way of immortalizing Reed in Knicks’ history and showing respect for his valuable contributions.

The day of the event was welcomed with much fanfare and nostalgia. The inspired speeches on Reed’s career, the homages paid to him, and the emotion that shone through the stadium when the Number 19 jersey was raised up high into the rafters of Madison Square Garden marked the day as one of the most memorable in New York Knicks’ history.

Willis Reed was not just a player; he was a compelling leader, a dedicated team member, and an integral part of the New York Knicks’ narrative. The retirement of his jersey, number 19, on October 21, 1976, was a testament to the immense influence this legendary player had on his team and on the game of basketball itself. This significant gesture of admiration and respect reflects the intimate bond between Willis Reed and the New York Knicks’ franchise. The retirement of the jersey of Willis Reed symbolizes how legends live on, not just through their tangible accomplishments, but in the hearts of the fans and within the walls of the stadiums where they once showcased their extraordinary talents. In Reed’s case, his legacy will forever be embodied by the retired jersey number 19.