The New York Knicks legend was honored for being one of the best defenders in NBA history.

Feb 10, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; MSG Network announcer and former New York Knicks great Walt Frazier on the court before game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

New York Knicks broadcasts are graced with the presence of Walt Frazier as Mike Breen’s color commentator, but the former point guard also enjoyed a Hall-of-Fame career as a player.

Frazier played with the Knicks from 1967-77 and made seven All-Defensive teams throughout his career.

That’s why HoopsHype contributor Frank Urbina listed Frazier as the 48th-best defender of all-time.

“The great Walt Frazier, best remembered for his smooth, crafty scoring and playmaking, has become underrated for his defensive contributions.

Frazier made an astounding seven 1st Team All-Defenses in his career, earning the accolade every year from ’69 to ’75,” Urbina writes.

“His career steals numbers also would have been more impressive if the stat had been recorded earlier than 1973-74 when Frazier was already in his age-28 season.

Even then, the Knicks legend averaged 2.0 steals from ’74 to ’77 despite no longer being in his athletic prime by then.

“Frazier’s two-way play was hugely impactful to New York’s two championships during his time there, especially in the 1973 NBA Finals against Jerry West and the Lakers.

Frazier held West to just 21.4 points per game in the five-game series victory for the Knicks, a far cry from the 27.0 points per game West averaged for his career.”

The Knicks wouldn’t have picked up either of their two titles in 1970 and 1973 without Frazier’s contributions on both ends of the floor, especially on defense.

Even 50 years later, Frazier’s play and accomplishments are still being recognized, and they probably will continue to do so 50 years from now.

Frazier will be back on the broadcast tonight as the Knicks host the Chicago Bulls on the MSG Network. Tipoff for the game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from Madison Square Garden.

The NBA recently unveiled its list of the league’s best defenders, sparking a wave of reactions from fans across the league.

For New York Knicks supporters, the announcement has been particularly polarizing, eliciting a mix of outrage and jubilation.

The list, which includes some of the most formidable defenders in the league, has left Knicks fans grappling with a complex array of emotions.

The debate over the Knicks’ representation on the list is rooted in the team’s recent defensive struggles.

Despite having a roster filled with talented players, the Knicks have often found themselves on the wrong end of defensive efficiency rankings.

This season, in particular, has been a challenging one for the team’s defense, with opponents frequently exploiting weaknesses and scoring at an alarming rate.

As a result, many fans feel that the team’s defensive shortcomings have been glaringly apparent, making the omission of any Knicks player from the elite defenders list seem like a damning indictment.

However, not all Knicks fans are disheartened by the absence of their players from the list. Some view it as an opportunity for the team to regroup and refocus on defensive fundamentals.

They argue that the lack of representation on the list serves as a wake-up call, urging the organization to address its defensive lapses and invest in players who can make a significant impact on that end of the floor.

For these fans, the list is a catalyst for change, a reminder that the Knicks need to prioritize defense if they hope to contend in a league where stopping opponents is as crucial as scoring points.

One of the most vocal points of contention among Knicks fans is the perceived snub of Julius Randle.

Despite his offensive prowess, Randle has shown flashes of defensive brilliance throughout his career. His size, strength, and athleticism make him a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions.

This season, Randle has been a focal point of the Knicks’ defense, often tasked with guarding the opposition’s best players.

While his defensive stats may not always reflect it, many fans believe that Randle’s impact on the defensive end is underappreciated.

His ability to alter shots, contest drives, and provide rim protection is invaluable, and his omission from the list has left some fans feeling that his contributions are being overlooked.

Another player whose exclusion has stirred debate is RJ Barrett. The young forward has shown significant improvement in his defensive game since entering the league.

His length, quickness, and tenacity on the defensive end have made him a valuable asset for the Knicks.

Barrett’s ability to guard multiple positions and his willingness to put a body on opponents have earned him praise from coaches and analysts alike.

Despite this, his name did not appear on the list of the league’s best defenders, leading some fans to question the criteria used for selection.

They argue that Barrett’s defensive growth deserves recognition and that his potential as a defensive stalwart should not be underestimated.

The defensive identity of the Knicks has been a topic of discussion for years. The team has cycled through various coaching regimes, each with its own approach to defense.

Some fans lament the lack of a consistent defensive philosophy, pointing to the revolving door of coaches and the resulting instability in defensive schemes.

They argue that without a clear and cohesive defensive strategy, the team struggles to find its footing on that end of the floor.

The absence of Knicks players from the elite defenders list is seen by some as a symptom of this larger issue, a reflection of the team’s inability to establish a dominant defensive presence.

On the flip side, there are fans who believe that the Knicks’ defensive issues are a result of personnel rather than philosophy.

They point to the lack of true defensive specialists on the roster, arguing that the team needs players who are specifically geared towards stopping opponents.

The absence of a prototypical lockdown defender—a player who can guard the best perimeter scorers in the league—has left the Knicks vulnerable.

These fans advocate for the acquisition of defensive-minded players, either through trades or free agency, to bolster the team’s defensive capabilities.

They see the list of the league’s best defenders as a benchmark, a standard that the Knicks must aspire to if they hope to compete at the highest level.

The Knicks’ front office and coaching staff have faced scrutiny for their defensive strategies and player acquisitions. Some fans are critical of the team’s decision-making, questioning whether the right priorities have been set.

They point to past draft choices and free-agent signings, arguing that not enough emphasis has been placed on defensive talent.

The lack of representation on the elite defenders list is seen as a failure of the front office to build a roster capable of excelling on that end of the floor.

These fans call for a reevaluation of the team’s approach, urging the organization to make defensive improvement a top priority.

In contrast, there are those who defend the front office’s decisions, arguing that building a championship-caliber defense takes time.

They point to the young core of players on the roster, many of whom are still developing their defensive skills. These fans believe that with continued coaching and experience, the Knicks’ defense will improve.

They see the list of the league’s best defenders as a goal to strive for, a benchmark that the team can use to measure its progress. For them, the absence of Knicks players from the list is not a cause for despair but rather a challenge to be overcome.

The Knicks’ defensive struggles are not without historical context. The team has a storied past, with legendary defenders such as Walt Frazier and Patrick Ewing anchoring the defense in their prime.

These players set a standard for defensive excellence that resonates with fans to this day.

The comparison between the current roster and these past greats often leads to frustration among fans, who long for a return to the days when the Knicks were known for their stifling defense.

The lack of representation on the elite defenders list is seen by some as a stark reminder of how far the team has fallen from its defensive glory days.

Yet, there is a sense of optimism among some fans that the team can reclaim its defensive identity. They point to the potential of young players like Barrett and Obi Toppin, who have shown promise on the defensive end.

These fans believe that with the right coaching and development, the Knicks can build a defense that rivals the best in the league.

The list of the league’s best defenders serves as both a benchmark and a source of motivation, a reminder of the standard the team must meet if it hopes to return to prominence.

The reaction to the NBA’s list of best defenders highlights the deep-seated passion and loyalty of Knicks fans.

Whether they are frustrated by the team’s defensive shortcomings or optimistic about its future, one thing is clear: the defense is a critical component of the Knicks’ identity.

As the team continues to navigate the challenges of the season, the debate over its defensive capabilities will undoubtedly persist.

For Knicks fans, the list of the league’s best defenders is more than just a ranking—it is a reflection of their hopes, frustrations, and aspirations for the team they love.